AN ACT relating to cosmetology.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by George Brown and 1 co-sponsor

HB 120 aims to modify Kentucky cosmetology laws to regulate licensing, scope of practice, and safety standards for cosmetology professionals and related entities.

to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)

#administrativeregulationsandproceedings #barbersandcosmetologists #boardsandcommissions #licensing #occupationsandprofessions #stateagencies

Purpose and Intent

The bill is titled “AN ACT relating to cosmetology,” indicating that its primary focus is on the regulation, licensing, standards, or scope of practice within the cosmetology profession in Kentucky.

As introduced, it seeks to modify statutes governing cosmetology to address regulatory structure, practitioner requirements, or related operational elements in the field.

Key Provisions and Changes (indicative)

Note: The exact text of HB 120 is not provided here, but typical components of a cosmetology-related bill in Kentucky may include:
- Licensing and credentialing:
- Requirements for cosmetologists, estheticians, barbers, or nail technicians.
- Continuing education, renewal periods, and fee adjustments.
- Scope of practice:
- Authorized services for licensed professionals (e.g., hair design, skin care, nail services, waxing).
- Restrictions or expansion of certain procedures or technologies.
- Regulatory framework:
- Roles and authority of the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists or related regulatory bodies.
- Administrative procedures, inspections, and enforcement mechanisms.
- Public health and safety:
- Sanitation, sterilization, and infection control standards.
- Consumer protection provisions and complaint processes.
- Economic and professional considerations:
- Fee schedules, grandfathering or recognition of prior training, and potential impact on school curricula or apprenticeship programs.

Because the bill’s text is not provided, the above outlines are common thematic areas for cosmetology legislation and may or may not reflect HB 120’s exact provisions.

Who Would Be Affected

Licensed cosmetology professionals (e.g., cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians) in Kentucky.

Cosmetology schools, training programs, and apprenticeships.

Regulatory bodies responsible for cosmetology licensing and enforcement.

Employers and business owners operating salons, spas, barbershops, and related establishments.

Consumers receiving cosmetology services, who could be affected by changes in licensure, scope of practice, safety standards, or complaint processes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Action History:

2026-01-07: Introduced in the House of Representatives.
2026-01-07: Referred to Committee on Committees (H) for assignment.
2026-01-14: Referred to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H) for further consideration.

Next steps (typical legislative path):

The bill would be reviewed by the referenced committees, potentially with hearings, amendments, and a vote.
If approved, it would move to the Senate for further consideration and then to the governor for signature or veto.

Timelines depend on the legislative calendar and committee action; no specific dates beyond the initial committee referrals are provided.

Notes

Specific details, fiscal impact, fee changes, and exact regulatory amendments would require the bill’s text. For a precise analysis, referencing the full HB 120 language and fiscal notes, if available, is recommended.

If you want, I can incorporate the exact provisions and any amendments once the bill text is provided.

Bill