Lori Pearson

The meeting focused on Old Business concerning potential legislative discussions stemming from program overviews and reviews. Key discussion points included the proposed non-chemical barber license and the possible removal of the independent contractor license, both slated for a vote in the January 2026 meeting. The non-chemical barber license was discussed as a measure to address reciprocity challenges with other states and potentially benefit career-technical schools, though concerns were raised regarding maintaining educational standards and hours. No opposition was presented to keeping both items on the legislative list for the upcoming vote. New Business considered a Natural Manicure License, which after research, the group determined was unnecessary to pursue.

The meeting included the approval of the current meeting agenda. Old business centered on a proposed legislative discussion that resulted from four prior work group meetings. Key discussion points for the legislation included the potential reduction of program hours, the removal of the advanced and independent contractor licenses, the creation of a non-chemical barber license, and the merger of specific chapters of the Ohio Revised Code. It was noted that this legislation is scheduled for a vote at the subsequent Board meeting on January 13th. Clarification was sought regarding whether removing the independent contractor license would eliminate the corresponding Board seat, which was confirmed not to be the intent, only to update the associated definition. The committee also discussed the possibility of an interested-parties meeting following the Board vote and the preparation of an FAQ document regarding the proposed legislation. No new business was addressed.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the meeting agenda. Key discussions included the election of the Chairperson, resulting in Tommy Taneff, and the Vice-Chair, elected as David Carty. The Executive Director provided updates on several critical operational matters, including the relocation of the Board office to Riffe Tower in January 2026, detailing the schedule for packing, moving, and the temporary suspension of examinations in December. Updates were also provided on the Esthetics Compact Legislation meeting, school overview sessions, and personnel changes, including an inspector's departure. Board members reported on recent conventions (NABBA and NIC), highlighting topics such as industry deregulation, consistency in educational standards (hours and curriculum), and apprenticeship programs being adopted by other states. Committee reports covered ongoing work from the Curriculum, Rules, Industry Review, and ARG committees regarding potential legislative reform and curriculum review.

The meeting focused on reviewing the outcomes of a previous work group session, particularly concerning curriculum for cosmetology, hair design, barbering, esthetics, manicuring, natural hair care, and independent contractor licensing. The group discussed maintaining current required hours for esthetics and manicuring programs, applying standardized percentage allocations across subject areas, and the potential elimination of the independent contractor license. The committee also reviewed a draft legislative document proposing the merger of Chapters 4709 and 4713 to streamline operations and align renewal cycles and continuing education requirements. Potential legislative contacts were discussed to secure a sponsor for the initiative, pending board approval.

The meeting included a review of the Esthetics curriculum, where it was decided to retain the current total of 600 hours while adjusting internal percentages. The Manicuring curriculum was also reviewed, with an agreement to keep the total of 200 instructional hours unchanged while revising percentage allocations. The Natural Hair Stylist curriculum was evaluated, and haircutting was added as a designated subject area. There was discussion regarding the Independent Contractor license, including its origins, compliance concerns, and potential financial impacts of its elimination.