Adopt Cosmetology Licensure Compact
The bill adopts the cosmetology licensure compact (compact) to facilitate the interstate practice and regulation of cosmetology. With the adoption of the compact, a cosmetologist who holds an active, unencumbered license to practice in the cosmetologist's home state may apply to the cosmetologist's home state for a multistate license under the compact. If granted a multistate license under the compact, a cosmetologist is authorized to practice cosmetology in the applicant's home state, as well as in each state that is a member of the compact, as though the cosmetologist held a single-state license in that state. The cosmetologist must comply with the rules of the licensing authority and the scope of practice laws of the state in which the cosmetologist provides services. If the cosmetologist moves to a new home state, the cosmetologist must apply to the new home state for reissuance of a multistate license.
Under the compact, active military members and their spouses may designate a home state where the individual is currently licensed in good standing to practice cosmetology and may retain their home state designation for purposes of the multistate license during any period when that individual or the individual's spouse is on active duty assignment.
The compact requires a state that is a member of the compact (member state) to report adverse actions taken by a member state's licensing authority or other regulatory body, including actions taken against a cosmetologist's individual license or authorization to practice, including revocation, suspension, or any other encumbrance on a license affecting the ability to practice. The compact authorizes the cosmetology licensure compact commission (commission) to develop and maintain a coordinated database and reporting system to include information relating to a cosmetologist's multistate license and any adverse actions reported against a cosmetologist. The compact specifies the authority of the home state with respect to the multistate license issued by the home state, as well as the authority of a remote state.
The compact creates the administrative structure for the compact, including granting the powers necessary to establish and operate the commission, which includes one delegate from each member state that is the administrator of the state licensing authority in the member state or the administrator's designee. Among other powers, the commission may adopt rules and bylaws, establish an executive committee, hire employees, and establish an office. The compact includes provisions relating to the conduct of the commission's meetings and its rule-making authority.
To pay the costs associated with the compact, the compact authorizes the commission to levy and collect an annual assessment from each member state and to impose fees on licensees of a member state for granting and renewing a multistate license.
The compact includes provisions governing disputes among member states and between the commission and a member state, enforcement provisions, and withdrawal of member states from the compact.
The compact is effective for member states once the seventh state has adopted the compact.
(Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.)
(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)