HB 335: More Access to Apprentices for an Occupational License

This bill was held in committee and did not receive a House or Senate vote.

Cosmetology and related apprenticeships involve on-the-job training from a licensed professional. The amount of time that must be spent to obtain this type of license has been arbitrarily set with extremely high standards in Utah when compared to other states. Professionals are limited to one-on-one training for apprentices they take on, even if they would like to train a few people at once.

Due to concerns about these unnecessarily burdensome regulations for an apprenticeship related to cosmetology or hair care—as an alternative to attending a school—Representative Brian Greene has sponsored House Bill 335. Professionals would be able to train up to four apprentices at a time if HB 335 becomes law. This could result in potential cost savings for future apprentices and professionals. The bill also reduces the number of hours apprentices must spend in training to become an esthetician, barber, nail technician, or cosmetologist.

Utah has the 13th most burdensome licensure laws in the nation. This area of licensure is one in which the state has a chance—and a need—to decrease the barrier to entry for new workers.