Summary — HB 4395 (Occupational Code amendments: temporary veteran service permits for barbers & cosmetologists)
Status
- Enacted: Signed by Governor June 20, 2025.
- Effective: January 1, 2026 (per legislative actions).
- Tie-bar: Requires companion HB 4394 (establishes permit fee) to be enacted.
Purpose
- To allow licensed barbers and cosmetologists to obtain temporary permits to provide free services to veterans at veteran service organizations (VSOs), expanding limited off‑premises practice exceptions in the Occupational Code.
Key provisions
- Amendments: Modifies sections 1117 and 1217 of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.1117 & 339.1217).
- Temporary permits:
- LARA may issue a temporary permit (valid up to 1 year) to a licensed barber or cosmetologist authorizing the holder to perform services at a veteran service organization for veterans.
- Practitioners providing services under this permit are prohibited from charging a "service fee."
- Definitions (added/clarified):
- "Veteran service organization" — a veteran‑led nonprofit whose primary mission is supporting veterans.
- "Service fee" — a charge to a customer for providing a service, including fees for the act of providing the service, transportation, labor, product, or tools.
- Existing off‑premises exceptions retained (e.g., services in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes when travel is impractical).
- Enforcement: Licensees remain subject to existing disciplinary provisions (article 6) for violations.
Related fee (HB 4394)
- HB 4394 (tie-bar) amends the State License Fee Act to set a $20 fee for each temporary permit. Both bills must be enacted for the permit authority to take effect.
Who is affected
- Licensed barbers and cosmetologists (eligible to apply for temporary permits).
- Veteran service organizations and the veterans they serve (will have access to in‑place barber/cosmetology services).
- Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — responsible for issuing permits and administering rules.
Fiscal and administrative impact
- House Fiscal Agency: Indeterminate but likely minimal. LARA anticipates a small number of permits; fee revenue and administrative costs expected to be minimal and absorbed by existing appropriations.
Legislative process highlights
- Introduced March–April 2025; committee hearings and favorable reports in April–May 2025.
- Passed both chambers May–June 2025; signed by governor June 20, 2025; effective January 1, 2026.
Support/testimony
- Support cited from veteran groups (e.g., Vietnam Veterans of America, VFW National Homes) and cosmetology/barber education providers and businesses.
