The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 453, which makes changes to the Cosmetology Licensing Law.

This legislation, which was sponsored by State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) pares down state regulation while maintaining high standards of education, cleanliness, and safety that the public demands. The bill encourages more compliance with the State Board of Cosmetology licensure requirement. The bill also allows the state board to investigate unlicensed facilities and enforce powers against unlicensed facilities as the board has not been able to do in the past. Ensuring that licensure is being enforced will increase competitiveness in the market, and reward those who got to the effort of obtaining their license.

“An update to the Cosmetology Licensing Law is long overdue,” said Rep. Grossman. “The current standards that dictate licensure are unrealistic and encourage people to work in the field outside of the law. The changes this legislation brings will promote lawful licensure while reducing state agency costs.”

This legislation makes the first notable upgrade to laws regarding the practice of cosmetology and its regulating board since 2003.

House Bill 453 passed by a vote of 92-4 and will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.