AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- EYELASH SERVICES LICENSING AND REGULATION ACT (Creates a new license for eyelash service technicians, requires permit for eyelash businesses, establishes training and exam standards, authorizes RIDOH enforcement and fines, and imposes a $500 penalty for an unlicensed practice.)

S2858

2026 -- S 2858
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- EYELASH SERVICES LICENSING
AND REGULATION ACT

Introduced By:
Senators Vargas, Quezada, Lauria, Murray, Valverde, DiPalma, DiMario,
Kallman, and Mack

Date Introduced:
March 04, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Health & Human Services
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Findings. The General Assembly finds and declares:
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(1) There is a significant regulatory gap in the oversight of eyelash services, including the
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application, removal, and add-on of eyelash extensions, as well as lash lifts and tinting.
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(2) The Rhode Island department of health receives in excess of one hundred fifty (150)
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complaints annually relating to cosmetology establishments, with approximately ninety percent
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(90%) concerning eyelash services, including improper adhesive use, infections, and vision-related
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injuries.
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(3) The department currently maintains limited inspection capacity relative to the number
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of licensed establishments statewide.
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(4) The purpose of this chapter is to protect public health and safety by establishing
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licensure standards, business permitting requirements, inspection authority, and enforcement
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mechanisms for eyelash services.
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SECTION 2. Title 5 of the General Laws entitled "BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS"
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is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
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CHAPTER 97
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EYELASH SERVICES LICENSING AND REGULATION ACT
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5-97-1. Short title.

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This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Eyelash Services Licensing and

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Regulation Act."
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5-97-2. Definitions.

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As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:
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(1) "Department" means the Rhode Island department of health.
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(2) "Division" means the division of professional regulation within the department of labor
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and training.
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(3) "Establishment" means any retail shop, salon, or facility where eyelash services are
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provided to the public.
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(4) "Eyelash services" means the application, removal, and add-on of eyelash extensions,
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as well as lash lifts and eyelash tinting.
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(5) "Eyelash service technician" means a person licensed pursuant to this chapter to provide
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eyelash services.
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5-97-3. License required for eyelash service technicians.

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(a) No person shall engage in the practice of eyelash services for compensation unless
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licensed as an eyelash service technician pursuant to this chapter.
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(b) An applicant for licensure shall:
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(1) Submit an application to the division on a form prescribed by the division;
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(2) Pay an application fee of one hundred dollars ($100);
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(3) Provide evidence of completion of not less than fifty (50) hours of instruction in eyelash
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services at a cosmetology school approved by the state;
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(4) Successfully pass a written examination and a practical examination administered or
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approved by the State of Rhode Island; and
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(5) Meet such additional education, training, and competency standards as may be
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established by regulation.
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(c) A license issued under this chapter shall authorize the individual to perform only
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eyelash services and shall not authorize the practice of cosmetology, esthetics, or any other licensed
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profession.
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5-97-4. Establishment license and permit required.

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(a) Any establishment offering eyelash services shall obtain:
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(1) A retail license issued by the appropriate municipal authority, if required; and
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(2) A permit and license to operate issued by the department.
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(b) The licensed technician and/or business owner operating the establishment shall ensure
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that the establishment complies with all health, sanitation, and safety standards established by rules
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and regulations promulgated by the department or the division.

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(c) No establishment shall employ or permit an unlicensed individual to perform eyelash
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services.
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5-97-5. Regulatory authority.

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(a) The department shall have authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to
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implement and enforce the provisions of this chapter including, but not limited to, standards for
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sanitation, infection control, adhesive use, ventilation, recordkeeping, and consumer protection.
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(b) The department may conduct inspections of licensed establishments and shall
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investigate complaints.
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(c) The department is authorized to assess administrative fines for violations of this chapter
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or any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to this section.
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(d) Revenue derived from fines and fees under this chapter shall be deposited into a
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restricted receipt account within the department to support enforcement activities, including
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inspection capacity, and to offset regulatory costs.
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5-97-6. Penalties.

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(a) Any individual who practices as an eyelash service technician without a valid license
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issued pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to an administrative fine of five hundred dollars
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($500) per violation.
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(b) Any facility or business owner operating an establishment offering eyelash services
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without proper licensure or permit shall be subject to an administrative fine of five hundred dollars
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($500) per violation.
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(c) Each day of continued noncompliance shall constitute a separate violation.
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SECTION 3. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- EYELASH SERVICES LICENSING
AND REGULATION ACT
***
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This act would create a new license for eyelash service technicians, require permits for
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eyelash businesses, establish training and exam standards, authorize RIDOH enforcement and
3
fines, and impose five hundred dollar ($500) penalties for unlicensed practice.
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This act would take effect on January 1, 2027.
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