Wisconsin is the latest state to continue to uphold licensing requirements for cosmetologists with the passage of SB 395. The law, which was signed by Governor Scott Walker and introduced by Senators Harsdorf, L. Taylor, Grotham and Tiffany has the support of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), which continues to advocate to keep state licensing requirements and training hours to ensure public safety.

While Wisconsin SB 395 lowered the number of training hours in the state from 1,800 to 1,550 for cosmetologists to earn their license, PBA supports the passage of the bill. The number of licensing hours required in Wisconsin is more in-line with the national average, as close to 35 states require 1,550 hours. The bill also brings Wisconsin closer to license reciprocity, another issue PBA supports for cosmetologists.

 "The Professional Beauty Association supports Wisconsin SB 395 and is pleased state leaders were able to reach a compromise on the issue of licensing hours for cosmetologists, while continuing to protect the public's safety by maintaining the overall licensing requirement," says Bridget Sharpe, Government Affairs and Industry Relations Manager, Professional Beauty Association.

PBA continues to advocate for the advancement of the professional beauty industry and the hundreds of thousands of beauty professionals across the country. Licensing and education standards are key for beauty professionals in order to ensure public safety. For more information on PBA's government advocacy efforts, please visit probeauty.org/advocacy.

 PBA Government Advocacy: The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) advocates for the rights of every member and is dedicated to tracking, introducing and responding to legislation at both the state and federal levels with potential to affect the beauty industry. Along with our Government Advocacy program, PBA provides our members with Education, Signature Events, Charitable Outreach, Research and Business Resources. Visit probeauty.org for more information.