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Bill Summary · HB 374

Overview

HB 374 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) amends the statutes governing the licensure and operation of barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and related beauty services. The bill adds new requirements (notably domestic violence training), clarifies license issuance and renewal processes, and expands and clarifies permit and oversight provisions for salons, schools, and auxiliary services.

Main purpose and intent

  • Modernize and refine licensing provisions for licensed professionals in barbering and cosmetology-related fields.
  • Introduce mandatory domestic violence awareness training as a condition of licensure or endorsement.
  • Expand regulatory authority and establish new permit structures (threading, eyelash artistry, makeup artistry, temporary event services) to govern specialized beauty services.
  • Improve oversight of schools, instructors, and salon operations to ensure safety and professional standards.

Key provisions and changes

  • Apprentice barbering license (KRS 317.450):

    • Minimum age 17.5; good character; high school diploma or equivalent; graduate of a licensed barber school.
    • Apprentice exam with a practical skills test (taper haircut, shampoo, straight razor shave, facial, chemical application).
    • Apprentice period: 6–9 months.
    • Board may require retaking portions of exams during apprenticeship.
    • End of apprenticeship: license granted upon passing exam and completing 1 hour of domestic violence training (online or in-person) focused on recognizing signs, responding, and referring victims; training to be online at no cost, developed with ZeroV.
    • Domestic violence training requirement applies to licensees and employers who respond to or refer clients; protection from civil/criminal liability when responding or referring.

  • Domestic violence training (KRS 317.450 and 317A.050):

    • Mandatory training for licensure applicants; online availability at no cost; collaborative development with ZeroV.
    • Similar requirements and liability protections apply to other license chapters.

  • Licenses and endorsements:

    • Endorsement license for journeymen from other states; standards for equivalency or three years of experience and good standing if no strict equivalency.

  • Salon, shop, and school licensing (KRS 317.450 and 317A.050):

    • Licensing for barber shops, mobile barber shops, and barber schools; conditions for space rental arrangements with independent contract owners.
    • Requirements for schools: bona fide operation, licensed teachers (including at least one with 12 months teaching experience), and fees.
    • Student permits and examination fees continue to apply.

  • Licenses for cosmetology-related roles (KRS 317A.050):

    • Cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, and salon licenses with specific hours, certifications, and examinations.
    • Salon operation licenses require licensed managers for non-licensed owners.
    • Instructor training certificates and teaching licenses for cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology, with specified hours and durations.

  • New and expanded permits:

    • Threading permit; eyelash artistry permit; makeup artistry permit (valid for one year; sanitation and facility standards apply).
    • Temporary event services permit for licensed practitioners, covering sanitation and event-specific validity.

  • Renewal and relicensing:

    • Licenses expire on dates defined by board regulations; automatic renewal upon timely renewal application and fee payment.
    • Late renewals incur restoration or relicensure requirements (including retesting after five-year expirations).

Who is affected

  • Licensed professionals: barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, instructors, and salon owners/managers.
  • Barber, cosmetology, esthetics, and nail schools and their administrators.
  • Employers (salon owners) and independent contract owners leasing space.
  • Individuals seeking licensure or endorsement from out-of-state jurisdictions.
  • Individuals seeking permits for threading, eyelash artistry, makeup artistry, or temporary event services.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Licenses issued to align with a July 1 renewal cycle; annual renewals typically July 1–July 31.
  • New apprenticeship and domestic violence training components become effective as part of licensure requirements.
  • Various permits (threading, eyelash artistry, makeup artistry) adopt one-year terms.
  • Customer protection provisions shield licensees from liability when addressing domestic violence signs or referrals.

This bill substantially broadens licensing scope, adds mandatory domestic violence training, and creates new permit pathways to regulate specialized beauty services while reinforcing salon and school accountability.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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