HB 4793: Creating the Barber Apprentice Program - West Virginia

Engrossed Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute → Committee Substitute · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill significantly lowers the minimum age for apprenticeships from 16 to 14 years old and reduces the minimum age for full licensure from 18 to 16 years old. It also introduces new definitions and license categories for hair stylists and cosmetologist crossovers, while removing the 'good moral character' requirement for applicants and apprentices. The changes aim to expand access to vocational training in the beauty industry for younger individuals and simplify licensing criteria.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of regulated professions to include 'hair stylists' and 'cosmetologist crossovers' as distinct categories, while reducing the age threshold for participation in apprenticeship programs and obtaining full licensure.

ELIGIBILITY

The minimum age to enroll in an apprenticeship program was lowered from 16 to 14 years old.

The minimum age to obtain a professional license was lowered from 18 to 16 years old.

REQUIREMENT

The 'good moral character' requirement was removed for both professional license applicants and apprentices.

The definition of 'barber permanent wavist' was updated to remove a specific enrollment deadline of August 28, 2012, effectively making the category permanent rather than time-limited.

A new certification category for 'Waxing Specialist' was created with specific hour requirements and age limits.

DEFINITION

New definitions and license categories were added for 'hair stylist' (requiring 1,000 hours) and 'cosmetologist crossover' (requiring 2,100 hours total).

New definitions were added for 'cosmetology crossover' and 'hair braiding/threading' (which are explicitly stated as not regulated by the board).

Introduced Version → Engrossed Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute · 6 edits · Mar 12, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was significantly expanded from a simple age reduction to a comprehensive overhaul of the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. It now includes new definitions for various roles (such as aestheticians and hair stylists), lowers the minimum licensure age from 18 to 16, and removes the 'good moral character' requirement for all applicants. Additionally, it introduces a new certification for waxing specialists and clarifies requirements for apprenticeships.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from solely regulating barber and cosmetologist apprenticeships to covering the entire licensing framework for barbers, cosmetologists, aestheticians, hair stylists, nail technicians, and waxing specialists.

ELIGIBILITY

The minimum age to obtain a professional license was lowered from 18 to 16 years old.

The minimum age for apprenticeships was lowered from 16 to 14 years old, with the Department of Education required to assist in federal compliance for this age group.

REQUIREMENT

The 'good moral character' requirement was removed for all license applicants, including apprentices.

A new certification category for 'Waxing Specialist' was created with specific training hour and age requirements.

Education requirements were updated to allow graduation from a licensed school or completion of education in another state that meets board provisions.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for aestheticians, hair stylists, cosmetology crossover, and barber crossover to clarify the scope of practice.

hb4793 s gov am _1 3-5 adopted.htm → hb4793 s gov amt _1 3-5 adopted.htm · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to replace the original text with a comprehensive revision of West Virginia's Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists regulations. The new version modernizes definitions, lowers age requirements for licensure and apprenticeships, removes good moral character requirements, and establishes new salon training programs for unlicensed providers under supervision.

Scope change

The bill now explicitly covers additional professions including hair braiding, threading, and blow-dry styling as unregulated services, while expanding the board's authority to regulate apprenticeship programs for younger participants.

ELIGIBILITY

Lowered minimum age for professional licensure from 18 to 16 years and for apprenticeship participation from 16 to 14 years of age

REQUIREMENT

Eliminated the good moral character requirement for applicants seeking professional licenses

Created a new salon training program allowing unlicensed providers to work under general supervision of licensed professionals after completing brief education

Revised apprenticeship program requirements to include assistance from the Department of Education for 14-15 year olds to obtain federal authorization

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for hair braiding, threading, blow-dry styling, and makeup application as services not regulated by the board

ENFORCEMENT

Added provisions allowing the board to order immediate cessation of salon training program participation when human health is endangered

Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute → hb4793 s gov am _1 3-5 adopted.htm · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill substantially rewrites the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists regulations to modernize definitions, lower age requirements for licensure and apprenticeships, remove good moral character requirements, and create new pathways for training including salon training programs and apprenticeships for younger individuals. The changes aim to expand access to professional beauty services while maintaining safety standards through supervision requirements and health certifications.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of regulated activities to include hair braiding, threading, blow-dry styling, and makeup application as explicitly excluded from regulation, while adding new categories like cosmetologist crossover and waxing specialist certifications. It also creates a new salon training program allowing unlicensed providers to work under general supervision.

ELIGIBILITY

Lowered minimum age for professional licensure from 18 to 16 years and for apprenticeships from 16 to 14 years

REQUIREMENT

Removed good moral character requirements for all license applicants

Created new salon training program allowing unlicensed providers to work under general supervision of licensed professionals

Modified cosmetology definition to include nail care, aesthetics, and additional hair services

Added apprenticeship program provisions requiring Department of Education assistance for 14-15 year olds to obtain federal authorization

Modified education requirements to include ability to benefit test and GED as alternatives to high school diploma

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for cosmetology crossover, waxing specialist, hair braiding, threading, blow-dry styling, makeup application, and general supervision

Added new categories including cosmetologist crossover, barber crossover, and waxing specialist certifications

Committee Substitute → Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was revised to clarify its purpose and expand its scope beyond just barbers and cosmetologists to include additional professions. The changes also update the reporting date and committee information to reflect the latest legislative actions. Key substantive changes include broadening the bill's focus to lower minimum age requirements for licensure in certain professions from 18 to 16 years old, and adding specific requirements for Department of Education assistance in apprenticeship programs for younger apprentices.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from focusing solely on the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to include broader provisions about lowering minimum age requirements for licensure in certain professions, not just barbers and cosmetologists.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for West Virginia Department of Education to assist in developing and administering apprenticeship programs for 14- and 15-year-olds, with assistance limited to the extent necessary to obtain federal authorization.

Changed sponsor experience requirement language from 'has worked' to 'has have worked' for grammatical consistency.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed minimum age for receiving an apprenticeship from 16 to 14 years of age, and added provision for lowering minimum age to obtain licensure in certain professions from 18 to 16 years of age.

DEFINITION

Updated bill title and description to reflect broader scope including additional apprenticeship programs beyond just barbers and cosmetologists.

TIMELINE

Updated reporting date from February 10, 2026 to February 25, 2026, and changed committee attribution from Subcommittee on Government Administration to Committee on Government Organization.

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