Cosmetology license bill draws protests

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indiana House committee will consider a controversial change Friday that would eliminate the requirement for cosmetologists, barbers and dietitians to have a license to practice their trades. Hundreds are expected to show up at the statehouse to protest the proposed changes.

The House Committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions will hear testimony on HB 1006 Friday morning.

In 2010, some members of the General Assembly said they were concerned about the state having too much power over licensing in some professions. So, they asked a study committee to re-evaluate the system.

The report issued by the Regulated Occupations Evaluation Committee (ROEC) in December found licensing for cosmetologists, dieticians, private investigators and security guards to be unnecessary. It recommends that lawmakers eliminate the requirements.

Some local stylists, cosmetologists and estheticians disagree.

“There’s so much that we’ve had to learn, as far as anatomy, chemistry, physiology, bacteriology,” said Laura Lancaster, a licensed cosmetologist at Trichology Salon in Carmel. “So there’s more to it than just a pair of scissors and a good haircut.”

Salon owner Jessica Deetz worries deregulation could damage the industry as a whole.

“There are lots of requirements. We have to properly sterilize equipment. We have training on how to protect yourself if we were to cut a customer or cut ourselves. Each stylist’s station has to have a trash can and ample supply of towels. If this bill passes, all of those requirements go away. We use all of that to keep our customers safe,” she said.

Deetz says many of her customers have also voiced concerns about the bill, saying they would feel uncomfortable getting their hair cut or styled by an unlicensed person. She also worries about the effect of the bill on her bottom line.

“All of the products we sell, we charge state sales tax. The state would lose all that money and money from our licensing fees. And, we wouldn’t be able to sell those products because professional companies wouldn’t sell them to someone who isn’t licensed. They’re exclusive. So, our retail would disappear,” she said.

Rep. David Wolkins (R-Winona Lake) is sponsoring the bill on behalf of the ROEC. He says the end result of the deregulation efforts won’t be as bad as some fear.

“I do not think we’re going to do away totally with the licenses. I do not think that will be the end result,” he said.

Wolkins said the committee will see what changes are possible to accomplish less government intervention, while continuing common sense oversight.

A vote on the issue is now expected next week.