Bill
HF 711
HF 711 creates an optional establishment-based training program for unlicensed workers under supervision, counting 2,000 supervised hours toward licensure while protecting public s
Subject: Barbering and cosmetology arts and sciences — schools, courses of study, and establishment training programs
Status / Timeline
- Introduced: March 3, 2025
- Passed House and Senate with amendments in May 2025 (various recorded votes during amendment process).
- Signed by Governor: June 6, 2025.
- Legislative record includes multiple amendments (H-1325, H-1331, H-1352, S-3143, S-3188, H-1046) that shaped the final enrolled bill.
Purpose / Intent
HF 711 updates Iowa law governing barbering and cosmetology by (1) authorizing a new establishment-based training program that lets establishments employ unlicensed providers to perform certain hair services under supervision, (2) clarifying permissible school uses and instructor activities, and (3) adjusting course-of-study and licensure pathways.
Key provisions and changes
- Establishment training program (new section 157.12D)
- The board creates an optional registration program allowing licensed establishments to employ persons regardless of licensure status to provide services that would otherwise require a license, under the supervision of a licensed provider.
- Permitted services (as reflected in reprinted language) include shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair under supervision.
- Unlicensed providers must complete 2 hours of board‑specified education on Iowa barbering/cosmetology law, rules, and sanitation before offering services.
- Establishment owner is responsible for ensuring training, skills, and competence of unlicensed providers.
- Participating establishments must meet all facility, equipment, safety/infection control, inspection, management, and license-renewal requirements; subject to department inspections.
- Required consumer disclosure (must be given in writing prior to services):
“This licensed establishment is registered to participate in an establishment training program. This establishment employs unlicensed providers who work under the supervision of licensed providers. The services you are receiving are from an unlicensed provider participating in this program.”
- The board may immediately order a participating establishment to cease program participation if there is probable cause that human health is endangered and may pursue formal disciplinary proceedings (including suspension/revocation).
- Remedies and liability: in civil actions alleging injury from services provided under the program, a prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney’s fees and receive equitable relief as determined by the court.
Licensure pathway / supervised practice (amendment in final bill)
Scope restrictions
Schools & courses of study
Who is affected
- Licensed establishments (barbershops, salons) — may register to participate and must comply with program requirements and inspections.
- Unlicensed workers — may be employed to perform limited supervised services after completing required education; can accrue supervised hours toward eligibility to sit for exams.
- Licensed barbers and cosmetologists — act as required on‑site supervisors and bear responsibility for supervising unlicensed workers.
- Cosmetology/barber schools and instructors — receive clarified uses and exemptions.
- Consumers — must receive written disclosure when served by unlicensed providers; protections and remedies are specified.
- Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and regulatory/inspection agencies — gain new rulemaking, oversight, and enforcement authority.
Procedural / enforcement notes
- “Supervision” is defined as physical presence of a licensee who is available to assist.
- The board retains civil penalty authority for unlicensed practice outside the program (civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with continuing violations counting as separate offenses up to $10,000).
- The bill charges the board with adopting implementing rules where specified (chapter 17A rulemaking where noted).
Overall impact
HF 711 establishes a regulated pathway for on‑the‑job training in licensed establishments, shortens barriers to supervised practical experience (with a 2,000‑hour pathway to examination), and modernizes aspects of schooling and combined coursework — while preserving sanitation, supervision, consumer disclosure, and enforcement mechanisms intended to protect public health and safety.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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