Phoenix, AZ
(February 19, 2013) – With
the new year in full swing, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
is tracking bills that could, if passed, greatly impact the beauty
industry in many states. So far in 2013, 42 bills have been introduced
that deal with occupational licensing, continued education, chemical
bans and restrictions, and new service regulations. PBA hopes to build
upon its 2012 progress by increasing state and federal legislative
efforts, while continuing to raise awareness on important issues among
beauty professionals and law makers.
Current state bills
range from deregulation, chemical bans and restrictions, continued
education and new safety regulations:
Deregulation
With potential
hygienic risks associated with cosmetology, traditionally states have
put licensing systems in place that give state cosmetology boards the
authority to regulate cosmetology in their respective states. However,
multiple state legislatures, facing pressures from peers and private
organizations such as the Institute for Justice and Goldwater Institute
to reduce the role of the government, are now opting to deregulate
licensed occupations. PBA supports licensing and regulation in the
beauty industry and is currently tracking multiple bills, including
bills in Connecticut, Indiana, Missouri, Texas and Utah that will study
the need for occupational licensing, which could result in the
elimination of cosmetology licensing.
Chemical Bans and
Restrictions
PBA recognizes that
the growth of the beauty industry is contingent on laws and regulations
that strengthen and ensure consumer safeguards. PBA has partnered with
leading trade groups, including the Personal Care Products Council
(PCPC), Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD),
Direct Selling Association (DSA) and the International Fragrance
Association North America (IFRA), to come together as part of the Safe
Cosmetics Alliance (SCA) to support legislation and regulatory policies
based on sound science to ensure the safety of personal care products
and cosmetics.
Continuing Education
As in any industry,
continued education is key to continued growth and development. PBA
supports legislation, including House and Senate bills in South Carolina
and Washington that would mandate that continued education be part of
the licensing renewal process for cosmetologists. Bills like these
ensure that beauty professionals stay current on issues of safety,
sanitation, infection control and the safe usage of new formulas and
treatments.
New Service
Regulations
Beauty services and
practices are constantly evolving. PBA supports legislation that
defines, clarifies and establishes requirements for new services that
emphasize safety, sanitation and infection control. This includes bills
in Hawaii, Mississippi and South Carolina that aim to set specific
criteria for the safe practice of hair braiding and threading.
PBA will continue to track and respond to both federal and state
legislation in 2013 and years to come that affect the beauty industry,
while keeping members and industry professionals informed on the issues
affecting the growth and sustainability of the beauty industry. For more
information on PBA’s government advocacy and legislative goals, please
visit
http://www.probeauty.org/advocacy.
About Government
Advocacy
The Professional Beauty
Association (PBA) advocates for the rights of every member and is
dedicated to tracking, introducing and responding to legislation at
both the state and federal levels with potential to affect the
beauty industry. Along with our Government Advocacy program, PBA
provides our members with Education, Signature Events, Charitable
Outreach, Research and Business Resources. Visit
www.probeauty.org for
more information.
