HB2737 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 08052 AAS 18098 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB2737

Introduced 2/6/2025, by Rep. Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

225 ILCS 410/2-2	from Ch. 111, par. 1702-2
225 ILCS 410/2-4	from Ch. 111, par. 1702-4
225 ILCS 410/3-2	from Ch. 111, par. 1703-2
225 ILCS 410/3-3	from Ch. 111, par. 1703-3
225 ILCS 410/3-4	from Ch. 111, par. 1703-4
225 ILCS 410/3A-2	from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-2
225 ILCS 410/3A-3	from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-3
225 ILCS 410/3C-2	from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-2
225 ILCS 410/3C-3	from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-3
225 ILCS 410/3E-2
225 ILCS 410/3E-3

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that relevant professional schools may provide a maximum of 50% of the hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study and may provide that a maximum of 10% of the required hours may be completed in an internship program and supervised by a licensed professional, subject to the rules of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that a person may receive a license as a cosmetologist if the person has completed an online course approved by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and 750 hours of hands-on training supervised by a licensed cosmetologist extending over a period of not less than 8 months nor more than 7 consecutive years and the person has completed the other requirements for licensure under the Act. Provides that hands-on training conducted under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the 750 hours of hands-on training required for licensure if the training was supervised by a cosmetologist licensed under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or foreign country or province.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 is amended by changing Sections 2-2, 2-4, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3A-2, 3A-3, 3C-2, 3C-3, 3E-2, and 3E-3 as follows:

(225 ILCS 410/2-2) (from Ch. 111, par. 1702-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 2-2. Licensure as a barber; qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license as a barber if that person has applied in writing on forms prescribed by the Department, has paid the required fees, and:

a. Is at least 16 years of age; and

b. Has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance; and

c. Has graduated from a school of barbering or school of cosmetology approved by the Department, having completed a total of 1500 hours in the study of barbering extending over a period of not less than 9 months nor more than 3 years. A school of barbering may, at its discretion, consistent with the rules of the Department, accept up to 1,000 hours of cosmetology school training at a recognized cosmetology school toward the 1500 hour course requirement of barbering. A school of barbering or cosmetology may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 1500 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations. A school of barbering or cosmetology may also provide that a maximum of 10% of the 1500 hours may be completed in an internship program and supervised by a licensed barber, subject to rules of the Department. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; and

d. Has passed an examination caused to be conducted by the Department or its designated testing service to determine fitness to receive a license as a barber; and

e. Has met all other requirements of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-427, eff. 8-21-15.)

(225 ILCS 410/2-4) (from Ch. 111, par. 1702-4)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 2-4. Licensure as a barber teacher; qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license as a barber teacher if that person files an application on forms provided by the Department, pays the required fee, and:

a. Is at least 18 years of age;

b. Has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

c. Has a current license as a barber or cosmetologist;

d. Has graduated from a barber school or school of cosmetology approved by the Department having:

(1) completed a total of 500 hours in barber teacher training extending over a period of not less than 3 months nor more than 2 years and has had 3 years of practical experience as a licensed barber;

(2) completed a total of 1,000 hours of barber teacher training extending over a period of not less than 6 months nor more than 2 years. A school of barbering or cosmetology may provide a maximum of 50% of the hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations, for the hours required in this paragraph; or

(3) completed the cosmetology teacher training as specified in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Section 3-4 of this Act and completed a supplemental barbering course as established by rule;

e. Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine fitness to receive a license as a barber teacher or a cosmetology teacher; and

f. Has met any other requirements set forth in this Act.

An applicant who is issued a license as a barber teacher is not required to maintain a barber license in order to practice barbering as defined in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-911, eff. 1-1-15; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 99-427, eff. 8-21-15; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16.)

(225 ILCS 410/3-2) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3-2. Licensure; qualifications.

(1) A person is qualified to receive a license as a cosmetologist who has filed an application on forms provided by the Department, pays the required fees, and:

a. Is at least l6 years of age; and

b. Is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance or has received a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of that certificate; and

c. Either:

(i) Has graduated from a school of cosmetology approved by the Department, having completed a program of 1,500 hours in the study of cosmetology extending over a period of not less than 8 months nor more than 7 consecutive years. A school of cosmetology may, at its discretion, consistent with the rules of the Department, accept up to 1,000 hours of barber school training at a recognized barber school toward the 1,500 hour program requirement of cosmetology. A school of cosmetology may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 1500 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations. A school of cosmetology may also provide that a maximum of 10% of the 1500 hours may be completed in an internship program and supervised by a licensed cosmetologist, subject to rules of the Department. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; or ; and

(ii) Has completed an online course approved by the Department and 750 hours of hands-on training supervised by a licensed cosmetologist extending over a period of not less than 8 months nor more than 7 consecutive years. Hands-on training conducted under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of hands-on training required by the provisions of this paragraph if the training was supervised by a cosmetologist licensed under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or foreign country or province; and

d. Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a cosmetologist; and

e. Has met any other requirements of this Act.

(2) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 99-427, eff. 8-21-15.)

(225 ILCS 410/3-3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3-3. Licensure as a cosmetologist by a barber school graduate. A person is qualified to receive a license as a cosmetologist if that person has filed an application on forms provided by the Department, has paid the required fees, and:

a. Is at least 16 years of age; and

b. Has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance; and

c. Has graduated from a school of barbering approved by the Department having completed 1500 hours in the study of barbering, and a minimum of 500 additional hours in the study of cosmetology extending over a period of no less than 3 months nor more than one year. A school of barbering or cosmetology may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 2000 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations. A school of barbering or cosmetology may also provide that a maximum of 10% of the 2,000 hours may be completed in an internship program and supervised by a licensed cosmetologist, subject to rules of the Department. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; and

d. Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine fitness to receive a license as a cosmetologist; and

e. Has met any other requirements of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-427, eff. 8-21-15.)

(225 ILCS 410/3-4) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703-4)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3-4. Licensure as cosmetology teacher or cosmetology clinic teacher; qualifications.

(a) A person is qualified to receive license as a cosmetology teacher if that person has applied in writing on forms provided by the Department, has paid the required fees, and:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

(3) has a current license as a cosmetologist;

(4) has either: (i) completed a program of 500 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology and had 2 years of practical experience as a licensed cosmetologist within 5 years preceding the examination; (ii) completed a program of 1,000 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology; or (iii) completed the barber teacher training as specified in subsection (d) of Section 2-4 of this Act and completed a supplemental cosmetology course as established by rule. A school of barbering or cosmetology may provide a maximum of 50% of the hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations, for the hours required in this paragraph;

(5) has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a cosmetology teacher or barber teacher; and

(6) has met any other requirements of this Act.

An individual who receives a license as a cosmetology teacher shall not be required to maintain an active cosmetology license in order to practice cosmetology as defined in this Act.

(b) A person is qualified to receive a license as a cosmetology clinic teacher if he or she has applied in writing on forms provided by the Department, has paid the required fees, and:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

(3) has a current license as a cosmetologist;

(4) has (i) completed a program of 250 hours of clinic teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology or (ii) within 5 years preceding the examination, has obtained a minimum of 2 years of practical experience working at least 30 full-time hours per week as a licensed cosmetologist and has completed an instructor's institute of 20 hours, as prescribed by the Department, prior to submitting an application for examination;

(5) has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a cosmetology teacher; and

(6) has met any other requirements of this Act.

The Department shall not issue any new cosmetology clinic teacher licenses after January 1, 2009. Any person issued a license as a cosmetology clinic teacher before January 1, 2009, may renew the license after that date under this Act and that person may continue to renew the license or have the license restored during his or her lifetime, subject only to the renewal or restoration requirements for the license under this Act; however, such licensee and license shall remain subject to the provisions of this Act, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning renewal, restoration, fees, continuing education, discipline, administration, and enforcement.

(Source: P.A. 99-427, eff. 8-21-15.)

(225 ILCS 410/3A-2) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3A-2. Licensure as an esthetician; qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license as a licensed esthetician if that person has applied in writing on forms provided by the Department, paid any required fees, and:

a. Is at least 16 years of age; and

b. Has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance; and

c. Has graduated from a school of cosmetology or esthetics approved by the Department, having completed a program of 750 hours in the study of esthetics extending over a period of not less than 18 weeks nor more than 4 consecutive years. A school of cosmetology or esthetics may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 750 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations. A school of cosmetology or esthetics may also provide that a maximum of 10% of the 750 hours may be completed in an internship program and supervised by a licensed esthetician, subject to rules of the Department. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; and

d. Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine fitness to receive a license as a licensed esthetician; and

e. Has met any other requirements of this Act and rules.

(Source: P.A. 91-863, eff. 7-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 410/3A-3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3A-3. Licensure as an esthetics teacher; qualifications.

(a) A person is qualified to receive a license as an esthetics teacher if that person has applied in writing on forms supplied by the Department, paid the required fees, and:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

(3) has a current license as a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician;

(4) has either: (i) completed a program of 500 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology or a licensed esthetics school and had 2 years of practical experience as a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician within 5 years preceding the examination; or (ii) completed a program of 750 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology approved by the Department to teach esthetics or a licensed esthetics school. A school of cosmetology or esthetics may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 500 or 750 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations;

(5) has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a licensed cosmetology or esthetics teacher;

(6) (blank); and

(7) has met any other requirements as required by this Act.

(b) (Blank).

(c) An applicant who is issued a license as an esthetics teacher is not required to maintain an esthetics license in order to practice as an esthetician as defined in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-911, eff. 1-1-15.)

(225 ILCS 410/3C-2) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3C-2. License; qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license as a nail technician if that person applies in writing on forms provided by the Department, pays the required fee, and:

(a) Is at least 16 years of age;

(b) Is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance or has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education or the recognized equivalent of that certificate;

(c) Has graduated from a school of cosmetology or school of nail technology approved by the Department, having completed a program of 350 hours in the study of nail technology extending over a period of not less than 8 weeks nor more than 2 consecutive years. A school of cosmetology or nail technology may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 350 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations. A school of cosmetology or nail technology may also provide that a maximum of 10% of the 350 hours may be completed in an internship program and supervised by a licensed nail technician, subject to rules of the Department;

(d) Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a nail technician; and

(e) Has met any other requirements of this Act.

Time spent in the study of nail technology under the laws of another state or territory of the United States, or of a foreign country or province, shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of subsection (c).

(Source: P.A. 94-451, eff. 12-31-05.)

(225 ILCS 410/3C-3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3C-3. Licensure as a nail technology teacher; qualifications.

(a) A person is qualified to receive a license as a nail technology teacher if that person has filed an application on forms provided by the Department, paid the required fee, and:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

(3) has a current license as a cosmetologist or nail technician;

(4) has either: (1) completed a program of 500 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of nail technology or cosmetology, and had 2 years of practical experience as a nail technician; or (2) has completed a program of 625 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology approved to teach nail technology or school of nail technology. A school of cosmetology or nail technology may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 500 or 625 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations; and

(5) who has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a cosmetology or nail technology teacher.

(b) An applicant who receives a license as a nail technology teacher shall not be required to maintain a license as a nail technician.

(Source: P.A. 98-911, eff. 1-1-15.)

(225 ILCS 410/3E-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3E-2. Hair braider licensure; qualifications.

(a) A person is qualified to receive a license as a hair braider if he or she has filed an application on forms provided by the Department, paid the required fees, and meets the following qualifications:

(1) Is at least 16 years of age;

(2) Is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance or has received a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of that certificate; and

(3) Has completed a program consisting of a minimum of 300 clock hours or a 10 credit hour equivalency of instruction, as defined by rule, in a licensed cosmetology school teaching a hair braiding curriculum or in a licensed hair braiding school. A school of cosmetology or hair braiding may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 300 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations. A school of cosmetology or hair braiding may also provide that a maximum of 10% of the 300 hours may be completed in an internship program and supervised by a licensed hair braider, subject to rules of the Department. The program shall include the following: as follows:

(A) Basic training consisting of 35 hours of classroom instruction in general theory, practical application, and technical application in the following subject areas: history of hair braiding, personal hygiene and public health, professional ethics, disinfection and sanitation, bacteriology, disorders and diseases of the hair and scalp, OSHA standards relating to material safety data sheets (MSDS) on chemicals, hair analysis and scalp care, and technical procedures;

(B) Related concepts consisting of 35 hours of classroom instruction in the following subject areas: Braid removal and scalp care; basic styling knowledge; tools and equipment; growth patterns, styles and sectioning; client consultation and face shapes; and client education, pre-care, post-care, home care and follow-up services;

(C) Practices and procedures consisting of 200 hours of instruction, which shall be a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practical application, in the following subject areas: single braids with and without extensions; cornrows with and without extensions; twists and knots; multiple strands; hair locking; weaving/sewn-in; other procedures as they relate to hair-braiding; and product knowledge as it relates to hair braiding; and

(D) Business practices consisting of 30 hours of classroom instruction in the following subject areas: Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 and Rules; salon management; human relations and salesmanship; and Workers' Compensation Act.

(b) The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule.

(c) Within 2 years after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, the Department may issue a hair braider license to any applicant who does not meet the requirements of items (2) and (3) of subsection (a) of this Section if the applicant: (1) files an application in accordance with subsection (a), (2) pays the required fee, (3) has not committed an offense that would be grounds for discipline under this Act, and (4) is able to demonstrate to the Department through tax records or affidavits that he or she has practiced hair braiding for at least 2 consecutive years immediately prior to the date of his or her application.

A hair braider who obtains his or her license under this subsection (c) may renew his or her license if he or she applies to the Department for renewal and has completed at least 65 hours of relevant training in health, safety, hygiene, and business management in accordance with the requirements of this Section or any rule adopted pursuant to this Section. A hair braider who renews his or her license under this subsection (c) may thereafter only renew his or her license if he or she meets the requirements of Section 3E-5 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-1246, eff. 1-1-11; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11.)

(225 ILCS 410/3E-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 3E-3. Hair braiding teacher licensure. A hair braiding teacher license shall be made available by the Department. The qualifications for a hair braiding teacher license shall be provided by rule, and shall include at least 600 clock hours or a 20 credit hour equivalency in relevant teaching methods and curriculum content, or at least 500 clock hours of hair braiding teacher training for an individual who is able to establish that he or she has had at least 2 years of practical experience. A school of cosmetology or hair braiding may also provide a maximum of 50% of the 500 hours required for theory portions of the practicum through online or distance study, subject to the rules of the Department, including subject-matter limitations.

(Source: P.A. 96-1246, eff. 1-1-11.)