A bill in the Statehouse is reigniting the contentious debate over licensing requirements for cosmetologists and barbers. The legislation would cut up to 500 hours of instructional time for people trying to get a cosmetology or barbers license
State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) says her bill will help students seeking to go into the profession.
"Entering the beauty industry with less debt and greater ability to repay students loans," Powell said.
But Sue Carter Moore with the Ohio Association of Cosmetology Schools says students prefer the stiffer requirements because it adds value to the license, allows for greater reciprocity in other states, and gives them the ability to start their own business without going through a salon first.
The bill has more than a dozen co-sponsors in the House. It has yet to be scheduled for a second hearing.
