2015 SSPA Minnesota Legislative Report
Jim Hirst, SSPA Lobbyist

The 2015 Minnesota Legislature, which has now concluded for the year, pursued a number of initiatives pertaining to cosmetology issues.  The Salon and Spa Professionals Association (SSPA) was engaged, presented testimony, and ultimately prevailed in our advocacy with key lawmakers to advance the interests of licensed salon professionals and the industry overall!

The session was also a budget setting year for state government, which included providing financing for various state agencies and boards, including the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners (BCE).  The state budget operates on a two year cycle, with the recently enacted 2015-17 budget commencing July 1, 2015.

Prior to the start of session, the BCE desired a number of technical changes to the cosmetology statute as well as an increase in state funding for their activities.  In general we were supportive of these technical modifications, but the price to expand their funding would result in higher licensing fees on cosmetology licensing.  Initially SSPA was not supportive of the proposed fee structure element, but recognized the value of maintaining a viable and effective BCE that oversees nearly 50,000 licenses.  In recognition that license fees had not been raised for some time, and to offset the chance of more fee increases later in future years, SSPA negotiated a more palatable fee structure for our licensees.  The new fee schedule will impact practitioners with a total increase of $40 for their 3 year license renewals.  Previously the proposed increase would have been over double that amount.  Managers and instructors will actually see a decrease in their license fees of $15.  (The newly enacted fee schedule effective July 1, 2015 for all license types is listed at the end of this report.)

Policy changes were also enacted to the cosmetology statute which included the creation of a new advanced esthetician license (effective 1/1/18), allowance for creating a mobile salon license (effective once BCE creates new rules for their operation and regulation), and expanded practitioner continuing education requirements.  Beginning August 1, 2017 all licensees seeking renewal must also complete an additional 4 hours of education (beyond the current 4 hours of health, safety, sanitation, laws and rules requirement) with a focus on technique, chemical interaction, apparatus usage, and/or general business management and human relations.  Similar to the current continuing education requirement, licensees and providers each must maintain records of course completion and are subject to random audits by the BCE to ensure compliance.  SSPA will begin offering these new additional continuing education classes this fall at our annual INsalon event, October 17-18, 2015.

SSPA also successfully defeated a proposal that would have allowed any salon-based 3 year apprentice program solely as a means to achieve state licensure without receiving any formal education by a state licensed school of cosmetology.  SSPA firmly believes that an apprenticeship program in general certainly has merit, but only after a candidate has completed a fully balanced education curriculum in a school first.  This legislation failed due to our opposition and the unwillingness of its proponents to address our concerns and amend it to our satisfaction.

The BCE continues to finalize new amended rules governing our profession which will better reflect the practice of cosmetology in the 21st century!  This has been a huge undertaking, since many of the rules in chapters 2105 and 2110 have not been updated for decades.  SSPA has been working with the BCE on some limited draft versions to ensure these suggested changes are proper and are not cumbersome for licensees.  It is expected that a final draft of the entire proposed rules will appear by year’s end.  At that time, we will have a chance to review and officially respond to the actual proposed language in full.  Then, it likely will result with some additional modifications before it is actually finalized and posted, with enactment shortly thereafter.  Please be aware of these pending changes, and SSPA will alert and inform you accordingly as well.

While the 2015 legislative session was challenging, our advocacy and efforts resulted in a rewarding year for salon professionals.  Increased license fees were reduced to a more acceptable level and an alternative licensing path without proper education for future cosmetology professionals was thwarted.  SSPA continues to work diligently before legislative and regulatory boards to promote, defend, and enhance the value of your professional license and the industry it represents!  Our sincere thanks to the many members who responded and assisted in our legislative efforts at the state capitol this year!