SB 1621 Hawaii Senate · 2025 Regular Session

RELATING TO NAIL TECHNICIANS.

SB 1621 exempts nail technicians from state licensing requirements, directly affecting individuals working as nail technicians in the state. The bill removes the current need for nail technicians to obtain a state-issued license to practice. The bill passed the committee (CPN) on February 7, 2025, with amendments recommended for passage. This change would streamline entry into the profession by eliminating a specific regulatory barrier.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 23, 2025 Last action Mar 4, 2025

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What changed between versions

SB1621 → SB1621_SD1 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill fundamentally changes how nail technicians are licensed in Hawaii by exempting them from licensing requirements entirely. Previously, the bill sought to create a separate nail technician license with specific training requirements, but the revised version removes all licensing mandates for nail technicians. This represents a significant policy shift from regulating the profession to deregulating it.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from establishing a new regulatory framework for nail technicians to completely exempting them from licensing requirements.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the requirement for nail technicians to obtain a separate license from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Deleted the proposed training hour requirements (700 hours apprenticeship or 350 hours school) that were previously included for nail technician applicants.

DEFINITION

Removed the definition of 'nail technician' from the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Modified the definition of 'cosmetologist' to include nail technicians as a practice they may engage in for compensation.

Modified the definition of 'beauty operator' to include nail technicians as one of the license categories.

ELIGIBILITY

Added an exemption clause stating that nail technicians are exempt from licensing requirements.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 4, 2025

Committee

Recommitted to WAM.

upper

Feb 28, 2025

Committee

Waived referral to WAM.

upper

Feb 13, 2025

Committee

Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 445) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

upper

Feb 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Richards, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Jan 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-07-25 9:50AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Committee

Referred to CPN, WAM.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Introduced

Introduced.

upper

5 primary · 1 co-sponsor