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HB 2056

Boards and Commissions - As introduced, requires the state board of cosmetology and barber examiners to create and maintain a student identification number for each applicant accruing instructional hours; prohibits the board from using a student's social security number as a public-facing identifier of the person. - Amends TCA Title 62, Chapter 3 and Title 62, Chapter 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe Towns

Tennessee requires the cosmetology/barber board to issue unique student IDs instead of using Social Security numbers as public identifiers to protect applicant privacy.

Action Def. in s/c Business and Utilities Subcommittee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2056

Legislative bill overview

HB 2056 requires Tennessee's state board of cosmetology and barber examiners to create unique student identification numbers for applicants tracking instructional hours. The bill prohibits the board from using Social Security numbers as public-facing identifiers for these individuals.

Why is this important

This addresses data privacy and identity protection by reducing unnecessary exposure of Social Security numbers in public records and board communications. Cosmetology and barber schools handle significant student data, so limiting SSN use to essential administrative purposes reduces identity theft and fraud risks.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Creating and maintaining a separate identification system requires IT infrastructure investment and administrative overhead that the board must absorb
  • Transition complexity: Existing records systems may need substantial modification to implement dual tracking (new IDs alongside current SSN-based systems)
  • Scope limitations: The bill only addresses public-facing identifiers, leaving questions about whether SSNs are still used internally and what "public-facing" precisely encompasses

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

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