WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 617

Relating to: the establishment of November 11 as a day on which the offices of the agencies of state government are closed. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 14 co-sponsors

Creates a standalone Maryland limited license for eyelash extension technicians, adding eyelash services to esthetics and setting training, supervision, and CE requirements.

Read first time and referred to Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 617

Summary — SB 617: State Board of Cosmetologists — Licensing — Eyelash Extensions (Chapter 354)

Status: Approved by the Governor and enacted as Chapter 354 (2025).
Primary subject: Cosmetology licensing (Maryland)

Purpose

Create a new, stand‑alone limited license category for technicians who provide eyelash extension services and explicitly incorporate eyelash extension services into the statutory definition of “provide esthetic services.” The bill brings regulation, training, and supervision requirements for eyelash extension technicians in line with other limited licenses issued by the State Board of Cosmetologists.

Key provisions

  • Establishes a limited license to provide eyelash extension services and adds that license to the list of licenses in Article — Business Occupations and Professions (amending multiple sections, e.g., §5‑101 and related sections).
  • Expands the statutory definition of “provide esthetic services” to include eyelash extension services and defines “provide eyelash extension services” to mean, for compensation:
    • cleaning the eye area;
    • applying eyelash primers and adhesives, eyelash extensions, and sealant; or
    • drying the eye area for eyelash extensions.
  • Training / licensure pathways for the limited license:
    • Applicant must be at least 17 years old and have completed 9th grade or equivalent.
    • Must pass both a practical and written exam OR qualify through training by:
    • serving as a registered apprentice for at least three months (as specified); or
    • completing at least 100 hours of instruction in an approved cosmetology school (approved by MSDE or MHEC in consultation with the Board).
  • The Board must adopt curriculum standards and continuing education (CE) standards for the license. Continuing education requirements are aligned with existing limited license CE rules.
  • Apprenticeship supervision rule (effective Jan 1, 2027): apprentices learning eyelash extension services must be supervised by either (1) a licensed senior cosmetologist who has completed relevant CE, or (2) a licensed eyelash extension technician with at least two years’ experience.
  • Licensing practice/location rules remain consistent with existing statutes for cosmetology and limited licenses.

Fiscal impact

  • One‑time special fund expenditure of approximately $25,000 in FY2026 to reprogram the Board’s licensing system.
  • Special fund revenues will increase beginning FY2026 from issuance and biennial renewal of the new limited licenses; the Board may set an example fee of $56 per license (biennial), but total revenue is indeterminate until implementation.

Who is affected

  • Primary: individuals who perform eyelash extension services (technicians) who are not already licensed as cosmetologists or estheticians — they must obtain the new limited license to continue practicing.
  • Secondary: cosmetology schools (100‑hour program approvals), salons and barbershops (employers), registered apprentices, and the State Board of Cosmetologists (regulatory implementation).
  • Small businesses (most salons/barbershops) will see a meaningful effect due to new licensing and compliance obligations.

Timeline / procedural notes

  • Board must promulgate implementing regulations (curriculum and CE standards).
  • Apprenticeship supervision requirement takes effect Jan 1, 2027.
  • One‑time IT/licensing system cost expected in FY2026; licenses and renewals begin thereafter.

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

Sign in to ask a question.