Since September 2021, a group of practitioners, educators, and regulators worked together to draft a cosmetology compact bill that will make it easier for cosmetologists to move to and from other jurisdictions.
How would it work?
If you’re a fully licensed cosmetologist, have had no disciplinary action against you, and have a clean background check, the cosmetology compact will allow you to move effortlessly from one compact state to another. That’s right—no more application forms and fees, long wait times to receive a new state license, or hiatus between practice.
The compact will go into effect once at least 10 or more states approve the proposed bill language. After the compact goes into effect, a multistate licensing board will be created, and rules will be drafted. Then, cosmetologists from those 10 or more states will be able to obtain a multistate license and move to any of the compact states without having to inform the new state. It’s worth noting that the cosmetology compact will be a slow process and could take another 18–24 months before it goes into effect—it is in its beginning stage, albeit an exciting one.
How can I get involved?
AHP has been an advocate in interstate compact meetings to support a cosmetology compact. The proposed compact bill language was recently made available. The Council of State Governments (CSG) has offered AHP members an exclusive opportunity to attend two private Zoom sessions, during which CSG will explain the compact bill language, how an interstate compact works, and how the cosmetology compact will impact the profession. You can attend one of following meeting dates:
June 30, at 3:00 p.m. EDT
Zoom link: https://csg-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtde-qrD4sHtz9Vhvg8-e76M2_2X62ptbx
July 21, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. EDT
Zoom link: https://csg-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tcuyvrD0sHtN3Qj0Kb2oUG9FeH5Njedo1
Share your thoughts
After you attend a meeting, CSG encourages AHP members to provide feedback about the proposed compact bill—express whether you agree with the bill as it is written, address sections you believe should be amended, and suggest your recommendations for improvement. There is still an opportunity to alter the language in the bill, which is why CSG is offering public comment periods.
If you cannot attend either session above, there are general town hall meetings between June 28, 2022, and August 2, 2022.
See you on the June and July Zoom meetings!
A note to barbers and estheticians
At this time, the cosmetology compact will only affect fully licensed cosmetologists; barbers are not included and cannot take advantage of this portability. However, CSG had initially intended to include barbers, and anticipates drafting a barbering compact soon. Therefore, while this compact may not impact you today, you are still invited to listen, give feedback, and even endorse a barbering compact for future consideration.
Estheticians, this may also be your opportunity to advocate for an esthetics compact if you’d like to attend a Zoom meeting and provide feedback.