West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell has introduced a bill to exempt individuals from licensure by the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. House Bill 2132 will allow anyone over the age of 18 to practice as a barber. They do not need to complete the required 1200 hours of coursework or pass an exam.

The Professional Beauty Assocation (PBA) works to educate government and the public on the importance of licensing requirements.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) conducted a first-of-its-kind national poll regarding regulation and licensing of beauty industry professionals in December of 2012. General election voters from across U.S. overwhelmingly supported the required licensing of cosmetologists and barbers and feel professional licenses protect the public, as well as improve quality and safety in the beauty industry.

--From www.probeauty.org

West Virginia  barbers, cosmetologists and everyone concerned about this move to remove licensing can contact  Bridget Sharpe, PBA Government Affairs Manager, bridget@probeauty.org,

https://probeauty.org

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