HB 885: AN ACT relating to cosmetology.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 317A to prohibit a licensee from performing services that go beyond the stratum germinativum layer unless practicing under the immediate supervision of a licensed physician; prohibit a licensee from performing any service regulated by another agency without the appropriate licensing for that service; amend various sections of KRS Chapter 317A to define "fixed salon" and "mobile salon"; change "limited beauty salon" to "limited facility" throughout; require any person who attempts to practice cosmetology or shampoo styling without being licensed to pay an administrative penalty to the board in an amount not to exceed $1,500 for each offense; authorize the board to investigate any and all unlicensed activity of services licensed under KRS Chapter 317A; prohibit a licensee from holding clinics if the clinics are not sponsored by a beauty specialty group for a service that require a license or permit under KRS Chapter 317A; require any person who applies for an esthetician license to have completed 750 hours of instruction in a licensed school within 5 years of submitting an application for licensure; establish licensing for mobile salons and limited facilities; exclude completion of 50 hours of esthetics or nail technology training within the last 2 years from licensure requirements for teaching esthetic practices or nail technology; establish license and renewal periods by administrative regulations promulgated by the board; establish a permit for natural hair braiding; exempt a person practicing natural hair brading from being required to have a salon license if working out of their home, a limited facility license if only working with other natural hair braiders, or obtaining cosmetology instruction hours beyond a sanitation course; require the board to promulgate administrative regulations to set standards for mobile salons and limited facilities; establish a code of professional conduct for persons licensed and permitted by the board; establish the inspection criteria for fixed and mobile salons; require the board to hold hearings in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B upon the request of an unlicensed party facing penalties; require schools to follow the student-teacher ratio listed in administrative regulations; allow the board to take immediate remedial measures to help a school operate according to standards if a complaint or concern has been validated through an inspection; prohibit a licensee from failing to follow sanitation standards prescribed by administrative regulations; allow the board to investigate all complaints concerning any person that is performing regulated services without a license; establish a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,500 per violation for any person who provides regulated services without a license.

Sponsors

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 27, 2026to Committee on Committees (S)
2. March 27, 2026received in Senate
3. March 27, 20263rd reading, passed 64-18 with Floor Amendment (1)
4. March 20, 2026floor amendment (1) filed
5. March 19, 2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 20 2026
6. March 12, 20262nd reading, to Rules
7. March 11, 2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
8. March 9, 2026to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
9. March 4, 2026to Committee on Committees (H)
10. March 4, 2026introduced in House