STATEHOUSE (Feb. 12, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced legislation authored by State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) and co-authored by State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) to establish a cosmetology apprenticeship program to provide another pathway for Hoosiers into the profession.
In 2018, there were about 585,000 apprentices and more than 23,000 apprenticeship programs nationwide, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Wesco said he authored the legislation as result of an Indiana cosmetologist who contacted him and advocated for an apprenticeship program to help others join the industry.
"By creating an apprenticeship program, we can reduce barriers and ensure more Hoosiers who want to enter the cosmetology field have options to skill up," Wesco said. "I'm grateful for the constituent who reached out with this idea, and I've been encouraged by the strong support it's received in the House."
Wesco said the bill would create a cosmetology apprenticeship program and reduce regulations for those trying to enter the field. Under the bill, a licensed cosmetologist would be required to have five years of experience and complete a 100-hour methodology course to offer an apprenticeship. A cosmetology apprentice would have to complete 1,500 hours of training and instruction and must pass a practical examination and a state board-administered examination to become a licensed cosmetologist.
The legislation also provides guidelines for how the program is monitored by the Board of Cosmetologists and Barber Examiners.
Miller said the bill also allows Indiana to join a cosmetology licensure compact with other states, which would provide for license reciprocity for those who've received comparable licensure with a participating compact state and want to locate and work in Indiana. Miller said this will not only reduce unlicensed practices, but also increase the speed with which licensed individuals can get to work in the cosmetology field, which makes the state more attractive, especially military families who may have a family member with this skillset. He said this will also alleviate workforce shortages in this field.
"We want to make it easier for individuals who are in the cosmetology profession to be able to come to Indiana and begin working as soon as possible," Miller said. "By allowing license reciprocity, we reduce unnecessary hurdles and cut red tape for those who are in the field."
House Bill 1135 now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration. To learn more and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
