Barbers

2025-2026 Bill 4752: Barbers - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
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Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
H. 4752
STATUS INFORMATION
General Bill
Sponsors: Reps. Wooten, McCabe, Edgerton, White and Anderson
Document Path: LC-0511WAB26.docx
Introduced in the House on January 13, 2026
Introduced in the Senate on February 25, 2026
Last Amended on February 24, 2026

Currently residing in the Senate
Summary: Barbers
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date

Body

Action Description with journal page number

12/16/2025

House

Prefiled

12/16/2025

House

Referred to Committee on
Labor, Commerce and Industry

1/13/2026

House

Introduced and read first time (
House Journal-page 78
)

1/13/2026

House

Referred to Committee on
Labor, Commerce and Industry
(
House Journal-page 78
)

1/20/2026

House

Member(s) request name added as sponsor: White

2/19/2026

House

Committee report: Favorable with amendment
Labor, Commerce and Industry
(
House Journal-page 10
)

2/24/2026

Scrivener's error corrected

2/24/2026

House

Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Anderson

2/24/2026

House

Amended (
House Journal-page 27
)

2/24/2026

House

Read second time (
House Journal-page 27
)

2/24/2026

House

Roll call Yeas-109 Nays-0 (
House Journal-page 46
)

2/25/2026

Scrivener's error corrected

2/25/2026

House

Read third time and sent to Senate (
House Journal-page 17
)

2/25/2026

Senate

Introduced and read first time (
Senate Journal-page 8
)

2/25/2026

Senate

Referred to Committee on
Labor, Commerce and Industry
(
Senate Journal-page 8
)

5/13/2026

Senate

Committee report: Favorable with amendment
Labor, Commerce and Industry
(
Senate Journal-page 4
)

View the latest
legislative information
at the website
VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
12/17/2025
02/19/2026
02/24/2026
02/24/2026-A
02/25/2026
05/13/2026

Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Report

May 13, 2026

H. 4752

Introduced
by Reps. Wooten, McCabe, Edgerton, White and Anderson

S. Printed 5/13/26--S.

Read the first time February 25, 2026

________

The committee on Senate Labor,
Commerce and Industry

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 4752) to amend
the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section
40-7-230
, relating to
requirements for licensure as a barber, so as to remove the apprenticeship
requirement, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered
the same, and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

Amend the
bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-520
(A)(2)(c) and
inserting:

(c) 1,540 verified hours in classes
in a secondary school program
approved by the board
;
and

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-520
(B)(2)(c) and inserting:

(c) 1,540 verified hours in classes
in a secondary school program
approved by the board
;
and

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-520
(C) and inserting:

(C) The board shall issue a license as a
master barber to
:

(1)

a cosmetologist licensed under this article who
submits an application to include a current photograph, pays the application
fee prescribed by the board, and demonstrates the applicant has:

(a)
(1)
satisfied educational requirements prescribed by
the board in regulation or who has two or more years' continuous experience
working as a cosmetologist; and

(b)
(2)
passed the examination required by the board. The
examination shall include a basic tapered haircut and straight razor facial
shave.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-520
(D) and inserting:

(D) Students shall be issued a one-year
student permit prior to beginning instruction.
The
board shall issue a shall issue a student permit to a person who submits an
application and pays the application fees as established by the board in
regulation.
In the absence of extraordinary circumstances as determined
by the board, a student only may receive four such permits.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-520
(E)(1) and inserting:

(E)(1) The board shall issue a license to
practice as a barber instructor or a master barber instructor to a person who
submits an application to include a current photograph, pays the application
fee prescribed by the board
in regulation
, and
demonstrates the applicant:

(a) has a high school diploma or its
equivalent;

(b) has three years' experience as a
practicing barber or a practicing master barber;

(c) has passed a method of teaching
course prescribed by the board prior to taking the instructor's examination;

(d) has passed an instructor's
examination as prescribed by the board; and

(e) meets other qualifications as
established by the board in regulation.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-560
(A)(1) and (2) and inserting:

(1) is licensed pursuant to this article
to engage in the practice of barbering
or master
barbering
; and

(2) does not have a stationary office at
the location where the barbering
or master barbering
services
are provided.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-560
(B) and inserting:

(B) In order to operate a mobile barbershop,
a barber
or master barber
shall apply to the
board for a mobile barbershop permit. The barber shall submit a permit
application and fee in the form and manner prescribed by the board in
regulation.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-560
(D)(1) and inserting:

(D)(1) A mobile barbershop permittee shall
maintain an official business address, which must be indicated on the permit
application and which must not be a post office box. If an address different
from the official business address is used for official business, then that
address must also be provided. Permit applications must also include the home
address of the applicant. The inclusion of the applicant's home address on the
application does
not
authorize the applicant to
conduct business at his home address if the applicant is issued a license.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-560
(G) and inserting:

(G) A barber
or
master barber
at all times must be in charge and present during the
operation of a mobile barbershop and is responsible for all barbering
or master barbering
services provided at the mobile
barbershop.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-560
(H)(2) and inserting:

(2) A mobile barbershop permit is not
transferable. If a mobile barbershop is sold, the new owner shall apply to the
board for a permit before providing barbering
or
master barbering
services through the mobile barbershop.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-560
(J) and inserting:

(J) A barber
or
master barber
who violates a provision of this article or a regulation
promulgated by the board pursuant to this chapter is subject to disciplinary
action as may be determined by the board.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-560
(M) and inserting:

(M)
A holder of a
license for any category of barbering is authorized by this chapter
A licensee of this board
shall display
it
the license
in a
conspicuous place adjacent to or near the person's work chair. The holder of a
license shall affix to the license a passport-type photograph of the license
holder.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by adding:

S
ection
40-13-565
.
(
A)
(
1) An individual may operate a
portable barber operation if the individual:

(
a) is licensed pursuant to this
chapter to engage in barbering or master barbering services; and

(
b) has been issued a current portable
barber operation credential on their license that must have a base of
operations that is a licensed barbershop.

(
2) An individual may apply to the
board for a portable barber operation credential upon application for initial
licensure, renewal, or by submitting an application on a form prescribed by the
board. A fee may not be charged for the issuance of the portable barber
operation credential, but may be charged as promulgated in regulation for the
application for initial licensure or licensure renewal. The application shall
include:

(
a) the home address of the applicant,
provided that including the applicant's home address on the application does
not authorize the applicant to conduct business at his home address; and

(
b) the portable barber operations
business telephone number. If other telephones are used in the operation of the
portable barber operation, then the numbers for those telephones must also be
included.

(
3) Upon application approval, the
board shall issue a license with a portable barber operation credential
indicator as promulgated in regulation to be carried by the barber or master
barber when practicing barbering or master barbering pursuant to his license.

(
4) A portable barber or master barber
authorized to operate a portable barber operation must renew their license and
portable barber operation credential in accordance with licensure renewal as
promulgated in regulation.

(
5) The temporary location at which
the licensee is providing portable barbering or master barbering services must
have sufficient facilities to allow for the services provided to be performed
in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with applicable statutes and
regulations.

(
B) A barber or master barber may
provide only those services in a portable barber operation within the scope of
his credential type.

(
C) A licensee providing portable
barber or master barbering services shall comply with all applicable state laws
and regulations pertaining to the practice of barbering or master barbering.

(
D) A licensee providing portable
barbering or master barbering services shall maintain a written or an
electronic record at the base of operations where portable barber or master
barber services are provided. Records are subject to inspection by the board.

(
E) A portable barber operation
credential issued pursuant to this section is not transferable.

(
F) A barber or master barber who
violates a provision of this section or a regulation promulgated by the board
pursuant to this section is subject to disciplinary action as may be determined
by the board.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-570
(A) and inserting:

(A) Only those individuals who are licensed
to practice barbering,
master barbering,
cosmetology,

hairstyling,
or who are registered to practice
hair braiding in this State may engage in the practice of hair braiding or
perform hair braiding services in this State.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-570
(E) and (F) and inserting:

(E) Registration to practice hair braiding
is valid for two years or until the end of the biennial licensure renewal cycle
in which the registration is first issued, whichever occurs first. The holder
of a registration to practice hair braiding shall renew his registration by
submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee
established by the board in regulation
.

(F) A registered hair braider who fails to
timely renew his registration may have his registration reinstated upon
submission of a reinstatement application and payment of the required
reinstatement fee
established by the board in
regulation
, if the registration has been expired for three years or
less. A registered hair braider whose registration has been expired for more
than three years may have his registration reinstated upon submission of a
reinstatement application, payment of the reinstatement fee
established by board in regulation
, and passing the
board-required examination.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-580
(A) and inserting:

(A) A barber or master barber training a
student in a shop must have had three years' experience as a barber
or master barber
and must have been examined and
licensed by the board and determined to be qualified to train a student barber.
A barber
or master barber
found qualified after
examination must be issued an instructor's license as a barber instructor or
master barber instructor.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-590
(A) and (B) and inserting:

(A) A person currently licensed to practice
barbering
or master barbering
in another state,
the District of Columbia, or a United States territory who was licensed in 2006
or later may be issued a license in this State if the applicant's current
license is in good standing, and if the applicant has passed a national
examination acceptable to the board, submits a completed application for a
license to include license verification, and pays the application fee. The
application shall include a current 2x2 inch passport-type photograph of the
applicant.

(B) A person currently licensed to practice
barbering
or master barbering
in another state,
the District of Columbia or a United States territory who was licensed prior to
2006 may be issued a license if the applicant's current license is in good
standing, and if the applicant has passed the state's licensing examination,
submits a completed application for a license, including license verification,
and pays the application fee. The application shall include a current 2x2 inch
passport-type photograph of the applicant.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-600
(A) and inserting:

(A) A barbershop must be licensed by the
board and must be managed by a board-licensed barber or master barber. The
manager shall be responsible for the barbershop's compliance with this article
and board regulations, and for the compliance of all individuals working in the
barbershop. Applications for licensure and inspection of new shops must be made
at least fifteen working days before opening the shop. No new shop may be
operated until all fees are paid and the shop has passed inspection.
Fees are established by the board in regulation.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 1, by striking Section
40-13-620
(A) and (B) and inserting:

(A) A license is required from the board to
operate a barber school.
A school shall submit an
application and pay the application fee as established by the board in
regulation.
A barber school may be operated in and as part of an
accredited high school, career center, or technical school or college and must
be licensed by the board. A barber school that is not part of a secondary
school is considered a postsecondary school. The board shall prescribe the
curriculum of a barber school. A copy of the most recent inspection report and
a copy of the regulations for the sanitary management of a barbershop must be
posted in a conspicuous place in each barber school.

(B) A barber or master barber instructing
students in a school must be licensed by the board as a
registered
barber instructor or as a master barber
instructor.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 2, by striking Section
40-13-365
(A)(1)(a) and (b) and
inserting:

(a) is licensed pursuant to this
chapter to engage in cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician,
or nail technician services; and

(b) has been issued a current
portable operation
permit
credential on their license
that must have a base of
operations that is a licensed salon.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 2, by striking Section
40-13-365
(A)(2), (3), (4), and (5) and
inserting:

(2) An individual may apply to the board
for a portable cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician,
or nail technician operation
permit
credential upon application for initial licensure, renewal,
or
by submitting an application on a form prescribed by the board
and paying the initial permit fee
.
A fee may not be charged for the issuance of the portable
operation credential, but may be charged as promulgated in regulation for the
application for initial licensure or license renewal.
The application
shall include:

(a) the home address of the
applicant, provided that including the applicant's home address on the
application does not authorize the applicant to conduct business at his home
address; and

(b) the portable operations business
telephone number. If other telephones are used in the operation of the portable
operation, then the numbers for those telephones must also be included.

(3) Upon application approval, the board
shall issue a
permit card
license with a portable operation credential indicator as
promulgated in reuglation
to be carried by the cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician when
practicing cosmetology pursuant to his
permit
license
.

(4) A portable cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician
authorized to operate a portable
operation
permit
must
be biennially
renewed by submitting a renewal application on a form prescribed by the board
and paying a permit renewal fee
renew their
license and portable operation credential in accordance with licensure renewal
as promulgated in regulation
.

(5) The temporary location at which the
portable operation permittee
licensee

is providing
portable
services must have
sufficient facilities to allow for the services provided to be performed in a
safe and sanitary manner in accordance with applicable statutes and
regulations.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 2, by striking Section
40-13-365
(B), (C), (D), (E), and (F)
and inserting:

(B) A cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician may
provide only those services in a portable operation within the scope of his
credential type.

(C) A
portable
operation permittee
licensee providing portable
services
shall comply with all applicable state laws
and
regulations pertaining to the practice of
cosmetology.

(D) A
portable
operation permittee
licensee providing portable
services
shall maintain a written or an electronic record
of the street addresses
at the
base of operations
where
portable
cosmetologist,

hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician
services are provided
during any two-week period
.
Records are subject to inspection by the board.

(E) A
permit
portable operation credential
issued pursuant to this
section is not transferable.

(F) A cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician who
violates a provision of this section or a regulation promulgated by the board
pursuant to this section is subject to disciplinary action as may be determined
by the board.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 3, by striking Section
40-13-5
and inserting:

Section
40-13-5
. Unless otherwise provided
for in this chapter, Article 1, Chapter 1 applies to cosmetologists,
hair braiders,
hairstylists,
nail
technicians,
and
estheticians
,

and
barbers
, and master barbers
regulated or administered, or
both, by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. If there is a
conflict between this chapter and Article 1, Chapter 1, the provisions of this
chapter control.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 4, by striking Section
40-13-10
(A)(1) and inserting:

(1)
A State Board
of Cosmetology
and Barbering
is created composed of

seven
nine
members appointed by the Governor
with the advice and consent of the Senate
for terms of
four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies are
filled in the manner of original appointment for the unexpired portion of the
term. Recommendations for appointment may be made by the board and other
interested groups or persons.
Initial appointments to
the board shall be appointed and filed by June 30, 2027.
The
Thereafter

recommendations must be submitted to the Governor not later than the
thirty-first day of December of the year preceding the year in which
appointments expire.
Four members of the board must be
experienced cosmetologists and must have been in the practice of cosmetology in
this State for at least five years before appointment. One member must be from
the public at large and not connected with the practice of cosmetology. One
member must be an esthetician and one must be a nail technician.
In comprising the board
, there
must be
:

(a)
two members who are experienced cosmetologists and have been
in the practice of cosmetology in this State for at least five years before
appointment
one member must have at least five
years of practical experience as a licensed cosmetologist
;

(b) one member
must have at least five years of practical experience as a licensed
esthetician;

(c) one member
must have at least five years of practical experience as a licensed nail
technician;

(d) one member
must have had at least five years of practical experience as a barber;

(e) one member
must have at least five years of practical experience as a master barber;
and

(f)
one member must be affiliated with a school of barbering as
an owner, instructor, or manager;

(g) one
member must be affiliated with a school of cosmetology as an owner, instructor,
or manager; and

(h) one
member
t
wo members
must be from the
public at large and not connected with the practice of cosmetology or barbering
or any business related thereto whatsoever.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 4, by striking Section
40-13-10
(A)(3) and inserting:

(3)
The
member of the board who is not connected with the practice of cosmetology
or the practice of barbering
or
master barbering
has all rights and privileges of other members of the
board except the member may not participate in the examination of an applicant
for a license.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 4, by striking Section
40-13-10
(B).

Amend the bill further, SECTION 5, by striking
Section
40-13-20
(2) and inserting:

(2) "Barbering"
or "practice of barbering"
means
performing on the general public for compensation any one or a combination of:

(a) shaving or
trimming a beard, shampooing, cutting the hair, or styling the hair by any
means, including hands, or mechanical or electrical appliances or instruments;

(b) giving
cleansing facial or scalp massages or treatments to scalp, neck
,
and face with oils, creams, lotions, or other nonchemical or
nonacid preparations, either by hand or mechanical appliances that do not
penetrate the epidermis of the skin;

(c) applying
cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, powders, oils, clays, and lotions to the
scalp, neck, or face;

(d) cutting,
shaping, fitting, styling, and servicing hair pieces, toupees, wigs and
nonsurgical hair replacement system
s;
and

(e) performing
manicures, which are a cosmetic treatment of the hands that involves cutting,
shaping, and/or polishing natural nails, removal of cuticles and softening of
the skin of the hands and fingers.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 5, by striking Section
40-13-20
(10) and (11) and inserting:

(10)
"Hairstyling" means arranging, styling, thermal cooling,
chemical waving, pressing, shampooing, cutting, shaping, chemical bleaching,
chemical coloring, chemical relaxing, or similar work on the hair, wig, or
hairpiece of a person by any means, with hands and mechanical or electrical
apparatus or appliance.

(6)(11)

"Independent contractor" means a licensed practitioner who rents or leases a
place or part of a place in a beauty salon.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 5, Section
40-13-20
, by striking the undesignated paragraph and inserting:

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 5, by striking Section
40-13-20
(12), (13), (14), (15), (16),
(17), (18), and (19) and inserting:

(7)
(12)
(11)
"Instructor"
means a person who is licensed to teach
barbering,
cosmetology
,
or any practices of cosmetology in accordance with this
chapter.

(13)
(12)
"Mobile barbershop" means a mobile unit that is a
self-contained, self-supporting enclosed motor vehicle or trailer, which is
licensed as an establishment for the practice of barbering
or master barbering
.

(8)
(14)
(13)
"Nail
technician" means a person including, but not limited to, an independent
contractor, who is licensed to practice manicuring or pedicuring the nails or
similar work.

(15)
(14)
"Portable barber operation" means equipment used in the
practice of barbering
or master barbering
that is in a mobile barbershop or transported from a barbershop
and used on a temporary basis at a location including, but not limited to:

(a) a client's
home
residence
;
or

(b)
another institution or location as may be authorized by the
board in regulation
a client's short-term
residence;

(
c) a place of business;

(
d) a special event venue; or

(
e) another institution or location as
may be authorized by the board
.

(16)
(15)
"Portable cosmetologist,
hairstylist,

esthetician, or nail technician operation" or
"portable operation" means equipment used in the practice of cosmetology and is
used on a temporary basis at a location including, but not limited to:

(a) a client's
residence;

(b) a client's
short-term residence;

(c) a place of
business;

(d) a special event
venue; or

(e) another
institution or location as may be authorized by the board.

(17)
(16)
"Practice of master barbering" means performing on the general
public for compensation for all barbering services and also includes singeing
or coloring the hair, or applying tonics or chemicals to wave, relax,
straighten, or lighten the hair.

(9)
(18)
(17)
"Student"
means a person who is engaged in learning or acquiring the practices of
:

(a)

cosmetology and, while learning, performs or assists in any of the practices of
cosmetology in a school licensed under this chapter and under the instruction
or immediate supervision of an instructor licensed under
this
chapter
Article 3; or

(b) barbering
or master barbering
and, while
learning, performs or assists in the practice of barbering
or master barbering
in a school
licensed under this chapter and under the
instruction
or immediate
supervision of an instructor licensed
under Article 5
, or is training on the job in a
licensed barbershop or licensed salon under the instruction or immediate
supervision of an instructor licensed under Article 5
.

(10)
(19)
(18)
"Approved
school" means a
:

(a)

cosmetology, esthetician,
or
nail technician
,
or
hair braider
, or hairstylist

school licensed by the
Board of Cosmetology
board
or the board's equivalent in the jurisdiction in
which it is physically located
. In states where licensure
of a school is not required, a license may be issued, upon application and
approval by the board.
; and

(b) barber school
licensed by the board or the board's equivalent in the jurisdiction in which it
is
physically
located.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 6, by striking Section
40-13-40
(A)(1) and inserting:

(1)
A person
registered as a
hair braider,
barber
,
or master
hair care specialist
barber
pursuant to the requirements of
Chapter 7 of this title
Aritlce
Article
5
may practice
within the scope authorized by the person's license in a salon registered in
accordance with this chapter.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 6, by striking Section
40-13-40
(B) and inserting:

(B) Notwithstanding
another provision of this chapter, a person licensed as a cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail
technician pursuant to this chapter may practice, within the scope authorized
by the person's license, in a barbershop registered in accordance with this
chapter.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 7, by striking Section
40-13-5
0(B) and inserting:

(B)
The board shall establish fees for:

(1) examination,
licensure, renewal, and reinstatement fees for student barbers, barbers, master
barbers, barber instructors, portable barber operations, and any other category
of barber authorized by this chapter; and

(2) the
inspection, registration, renewal, and registration reinstatement of
barbershops, mobile barbershops, and barber schools and colleges.

(C) The board may
prorate the license fee as provided for in regulation. All fees must accompany
applications, license renewals, license reinstatements, barbershop inspections,
registrations, and renewals
F
ees for licensure,
registrations, renewals, reinstatements, examinations, and inspections must be
assessed, collected, and adjusted on behalf of the board by the Department of
Labor, Licensing and Regulation pursuant to chapter and Section
40-1-50
(D). The
board shall promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this section
.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 8, by striking Section
40-13-60
and inserting:

Section
40-13-60
. The board may adopt
rules governing its proceedings and may promulgate regulations necessary to
carry out the provisions of this chapter. Regulations relating to the sanitary
management of salons
,

portable
operations, portable barber operations,
and schools
must not be promulgated until approved by the Department of Health and
Environmental Control.
barbershops, mobile
barbershops, cosmetology schools, and barber schools must be furnished by the
board to the owner or manager of each salon,
portable
operation, portable barber operation,
barbershop,
mobile barbershop, cosmetology school, and barber school in the State.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 10, by striking Section
40-13-110
(2) and (6) and inserting:

(2) permitted a person in one's employ or
under one's supervision or control to practice as a cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
hair braider, barber,
master barber,
esthetician, or nail technician without that person being
licensed as a cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
hair braider, barber, master barber,
esthetician, or nail
technician;

(6) practiced or attempted to practice
cosmetology in any place other than a licensed salon

or barbershop
or
pursuant
to a
portable operation
or portable barber operation
, except in case of an
emergency including, but not limited to, illness, invalidism, or death when a
licensed operator may perform services for a person in another place by
appointment only;

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 11, by striking Section
40-13-230
(A)(1) and (2) and inserting:

(1) is at least sixteen years of age and
possesses at least a
tenth
ninth
grade education or the equivalent as
established by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board;

(2) has completed
:

(a)

at least one thousand five hundred hours in
post-secondary
school or at least one thousand five hundred forty hours in secondary school
classes
in cosmetology in a reliable school
or college
approved
by the board or is a
registered master hair care
specialist pursuant to Chapter 7
master barber

who has satisfied educational requirements established by the board in
regulation; and

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 11, by striking Section
40-13-230
(A)(3) and inserting:

(3) has passed the examination
prescribed by the board and pays the required fee

established by the board in regulation
.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 11, by striking Section
40-13-230
(B) and inserting:

(B)
A license as a hairstylist must be issued by the board to a
person who:

(1) is at least
sixteen years of age and possesses at least a tenth grade education or the
equivalent as established by tests used in the public schools or tests approved
by the board;

(2) has
completed at least one thousand one hundred hours in hairstyling classes in a
reliable school approved by the board or is a registered master barber pursuant
to Chapter 7 who has satisfied educational requirements established by the
board in regulation; and

(3) has passed
the examination prescribed by the board and pays the required fee.

(B)(C)

A license as an esthetician must be issued by the
board to a person who:

(1) is at least sixteen years of age and
possesses at least a
tenth
ninth
grade education or the equivalent as
established by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board;

(2) has completed at least
four hundred fifty
six hundred
hours in classes in skin care in a
reliable school approved by the board or comparable training approved by the
board
; and

(3) has passed the examination
prescribed by the board and pays the required fee

established by the board in regulation
.
; and

(4) students
enrolled in esthetician programs prior to July 1, 2027, must be issued a
license for completion of at least four hundred fifty hours in classes in skin
care in a reliable school approved by the board or comparable training approved
by the board so long as all other requirements for licensure are met.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 11, by striking
Section
40-13-230
(D) and inserting:

(C)
(D)
A license as a nail technician must be issued by
the board to a person who:

(1) is at least sixteen years of age and
possesses at least a
tenth
ninth
grade education or the equivalent as
established by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board;

(2) has completed at least three hundred
hours in classes in a reliable nail technician school approved by the board or
comparable training approved by the board; and

(3) has passed the examination
prescribed by the board and pays the required fee

established by the board in regulation
.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 11, by striking
Section
40-13-230
(E) and inserting:

(D)
(E)
Temporary permits to practice as a cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician may be
issued in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.

Amend the bill
further, by striking SECTION 12 and inserting:

S
ECTION
X.
S
ection
40-13-240
of the S.C. Code is amended
to read:

S
ection
40-13-240
.
(
A) Each applicant for
an examination shall make application on board-approved forms. The application
must be accompanied by the required examination fee
as
established by the board in regulation
.

(
B)
The board shall conduct examinations of applicants for licenses to practice as
cosmetologists, estheticians, or nail technicians not less than three times
each year, at times and places as the board may determine. The examination of
applicants for any license under this
chapter
article
must be conducted pursuant to regulations
promulgated by the board and shall include both practical demonstrations and
written tests on subjects the board determines to be necessary. Examinations
must be consistent with the prescribed curriculum and the practical and
theoretical requirements of the profession of cosmetology as prescribed in this

chapter
article
.

S
ECTION
X.
S
ection
40-13-250
of the S.C. Code is amended
to read:

S
ection
40-13-250
.
(
A) The holder of an
individual license issued by the board biennially, on such date as may be
designated by the board, shall renew his license and pay the renewal fee
established by the board in regulation
and furnish
proof to the board that he has completed continuing education approved by the
board. A person who has held a license for at least fifteen consecutive years
and is sixty years of age or older or who has held continuous licensure for at
least thirty years, is fifty years of age, and who has not been disciplined by
the board is exempt from taking continuing education courses.
Upon approval by the board and submission of an attendance
form prescribed by the board, a person may obtain continuing education credit
by attendance at trade show cosmetology-related instructional programs.

(
B)
A license to practice or teach cosmetology which has not been renewed before
the date designated by the board expires on that date. The holder of an expired
license may have the license restored within three years of the date of the
expiration upon payment of the required renewal fee and satisfactory proof of
his or her qualifications to resume practicing. The reinstatement fee must be
established by the board in regulation.

(
C)
If a license has been expired for more than three years, the board shall
conduct reexamination of the applicant before issuing a new license. The
examination may include practical demonstrations and written tests that the
board determines to be necessary.

(
D)
A licensee may place a license on inactive status by completing and submitting
a board-approved form to the board office. In order to maintain inactive
status, a licensee must renew the license biennially by payment of the renewal
fee as
provided
established

by
the board in
regulation. The licensee
may not receive any license or other authorization to practice during the
inactive period. An individual seeking to reactivate a license shall complete
an application, submit the required fee
as established
by the board in regulation
, and comply with continuing education
requirements as provided by regulation.

(
E)
The holder of a license for a salon
, portable
operation,
or a school shall renew the license biennially on a date set
by the board by the payment of a renewal fee established by the board in
regulation.

(
F)
Application for renewal of a school license must be accompanied by
the payment of a renewal fee established by the board in
regulation and
proof of continued validation of the applicant's surety
bond.

Amend the bill
further, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:

S
ECTION
X.
S
ections
40-13-300
through
40-13-310
of the
S.C. Code are amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-300
. A person, firm, corporation, or association may apply to the board
for licensing of a salon by submitting an application on a form prescribed by
the board and paying the initial license fee

established by the board in regulation
. Upon approval of a salon, a
salon license must be issued and the license must be displayed in a conspicuous
place. The license is valid only for the location named on it and it is not
transferable. A salon shall comply with all provisions of this chapter
applicable to salons and with regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

S
ection
40-13-310
. A minimum curriculum for schools and minimum qualifications for
instructors must be prescribed by the board in regulation . The board shall
issue an instructor's license to a person who meets the prescribed
qualifications upon payment of the fee for an instructor's examination and the
license fee
, both of which shall be established by the
board in regulation
. The instructor's license must be renewed biennially
upon the payment of a renewal fee
established by the
board in regulation
by the instructor and upon proof to the board of the
instructor having had advanced training approved by the board during the year.

S
ECTION
X.
S
ection
40-13-340
(A) of the S.C. Code is
amended to read:

(
A) A person, firm, corporation, or
association may apply to the board for licensing of a school by submitting an
application on a form prescribed by the board and paying the initial license
fee
established by the board in regulation
. An
applicant at the time of application shall submit a detailed floor plan and a
true copy of the applicant's board-approved form for student contracts and
enrollment. An applicant also shall furnish a bond to the board issued by a
licensed bonding company doing business in this State. The bond must be in the
sum of ten thousand dollars and must be conditioned upon the faithful
performance of the terms and conditions of all contracts entered into between
the owner or manager of the school and all persons enrolling in the school.
Suit on the bond may be brought by any student injured by the breach of any of
the conditions of the contract between the student and the owner or manager of
the school.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 14, by striking Section
40-13-360
(4) and inserting:

(4)
an unlicensed
person employed in a cosmetology salon whose duties are expressly confined to
shampooing hair under the direct supervision of a cosmetologist
persons performing shampoos under the direct supervision of
a licensed cosmetologist
.

Amend the bill
further, by deleting SECTION 15 from the bill.

Amend the bill
further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

S
ECTION
X.
C
hapter 13, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is
amended by adding:

S
ection
40-13-275
.
A
person currently licensed to practice
in another state or territorial possession of the United States or the District
of Columbia, whose license is in good standing, may be issued a license in this
State by endorsement upon submission of an application and the applicable fee
established by the board in regulation, and showing that the person has:

(
1)
satisfactorily passed a nationally recognized examination for entry into the
profession; or

(
2)
(
a) been licensed for at least two
years in another state or territorial possession of the United States or the
District of Columbia, and

(
b)
completes four hours of board-approved continuing education, either in person
or online, in South Carolina state laws and regulations, client safety, and/or
infection control to include sanitation and disinfection. Completion of these
hours will also satisfy the continuing education requirements for renewal of
this license for the subsequent licensing period immediately following the
issuance of the license.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 16, by striking subsection (D) and inserting:

(D)
On July 1,
2027, regulations promulgated by the Board of Cosmetology under the authority
of former provisions of Chapter 13, Title 40 of the S.C. Code are transferred
to and devolved upon to the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

(
E)
On July 1, 2027, licenses, certificates of
registration, and any other credentials issued under the authority of former
provisions of Chapter 7, Title 40 of the S.C. Code repealed by SECTION 17 of
this act are transferred to the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, as are
their renewal cycles, continuing education requirements, and disciplinary
investigations, which must remain valid.

Amend the bill
further, SECTION 17, by striking subsection (C) and inserting:

(C) Sections
40-13-230
through
40-13-360
40-13-365
of
the S.C. Code are designated "Article 3, entitled Cosmetologists and
Cosmetology."
This includes Section
40-13-275
which is
added pursuant to this act.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

THOMAS DAVIS for Committee.

_______

A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING
SECTION
40-7-230
, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AS A BARBER, SO AS TO
REMOVE THE APPRENTICESHIP REQUIREMENT.

B
e it enacted by the
General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

S
ECTION 1.
C
hapter 13, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is amended by
adding:

A
rticle 5

B
arbers and Barbering

S
ection
40-13-510
. No person may engage in the practice of barbering, master barbering,
or hair braiding unless the person is licensed or registered in accordance with
this article.

S
ection
40-13-520
.
(
A) The board shall
issue a license as a barber to a person who submits an application to include a
current photograph, pays the application fee prescribed by the board, and
demonstrates the applicant:

(
1)
is at least sixteen years of age and has achieved a ninth grade education or
its equivalent;

(
2)
has completed at least:

(
a)
1,500 verified hours in classes in a barber school or college approved by the
board; or

(
b)
1,920 verified hours of training under the personal supervision of a
board-licensed barber instructor or master barber instructor; or

(
c)
1,540 verified hours in classes in a secondary school program; and

(
3)
has passed the examination prescribed by the board.

(
B)
The board shall issue a license as a master barber to a person who submits an
application to include a current photograph, pays the application fee
prescribed by the board, and demonstrates the applicant:

(
1)
is at least sixteen years of age and has completed a ninth grade education or
the equivalent;

(
2)
has completed at least:

(
a)
1,500 verified hours in classes in a barber school or college approved by the
board; or

(
b)
1,920 verified hours of training under the personal supervision of a
board-licensed master barber instructor; or

(
c)
1,540 verified hours in classes in a secondary school program; and

(
3)
has passed the master barber examination prescribed by the board.

(
C)
The board shall issue a license as a master barber to:

(
1)
a cosmetologist licensed under this article who submits an application to
include a current photograph, pays the application fee prescribed by the board,
and demonstrates the applicant has:

(
a)
satisfied educational requirements prescribed by the board in regulation or who
has two or more years' continuous experience working as a cosmetologist; and

(
b)
passed the examination required by the board. The examination shall include a
basic tapered haircut and straight razor facial shave.

(
D)
Students shall be issued a one-year student permit prior to beginning
instruction. In the absence of extraordinary circumstances as determined by the
board, a student only may receive four such permits.

(
E)
(
1) The board shall issue a license to
practice as a barber instructor or a master barber instructor to a person who
submits an application to include a current photograph, pays the application
fee prescribed by the board, and demonstrates the applicant:

(
a)
has a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(
b)
has three years' experience as a practicing barber or a practicing master
barber;

(
c)
has passed a method of teaching course prescribed by the board prior to taking
the instructor's examination;

(
d)
has passed an instructor's examination as prescribed by the board; and

(
e)
meets other qualifications as established by the board in regulation.

(
2)
A barber meeting these qualifications shall be issued a barber instructor
license and a master barber meeting these qualifications may be issued a master
barber instructor license. Instructors licensed by the board as of the
effective date of this section may continue to practice as barber instructors
or as master barber instructors; however, if their license lapses or expires,
the instructor must meet all requirements for instructor licensure effective at
the time of lapse or expiration.

(
F)
Any individual registered with the board as a barber assistant as of the
effective date of this section may continue to practice as a barber assistant,
and is subject to all relevant renewal and disciplinary provisions herein.
Failure to timely renew the barber assistant registration results in lapse of
the registration, and it cannot be reinstated.

(
G) A
barber assistant only may work under the direct supervision of a barber or
master barber in a licensed barbershop.

(
H) A
holder of a license under this article shall display the license in a
conspicuous place adjacent to or near his work chair.

S
ection
40-13-530
.
(
A) Upon completion of
all education training hours, an applicant for examination may apply for a
nonrenewable ninety-day temporary work permit, by submitting an application
that includes the following:

(
1)
application on a form approved by the board;

(
2)
2x2 inch passport-type photograph of the applicant;

(
3)
name of licensee supervisor agreeing to provide direct supervision of the
applicant; and

(
4)
signed training affidavit verifying completion of education or training.

(
B) A
temporary work permit allows a license candidate to work under the direct
supervision of an appropriately credentialed board licensee for up to ninety
days after completion of the education or training hours. The permittee cannot
provide services without being under direct supervision and may not be a
manager of a barbershop or a mobile barbershop.

(
C)
The temporary work permit must be displayed in a conspicuous place adjacent to
or near the person's work chair.

(
D) A
temporary work permittee is:

(
1)
subject to and must follow all applicable board statutes and regulations; and

(
2)
subject to discipline in the same manner as a licensee.

S
ection
40-13-540
.
(
A) An applicant for an
examination shall apply to the board on forms approved and furnished by the
board, and the application shall contain proof under the applicant's oath of
the particular qualifications of the applicant. The applicant shall submit the
required fee with the application.

(
B)
The board shall conduct examinations of applicants for licensure at such times
and places as prescribed by the board. The examination of applicants for
licensure as barbers and master barbers shall include practical demonstrations
and oral and/or written tests of theory as the board may prescribe.

S
ection
40-13-550
.
(
A) All persons licensed
or registered under this article must renew their licenses or registrations
biennially on or before a date designated by the board, by submitting a renewal
application and paying the required license renewal fee.

(
B) A
licensee or registrant who fails to timely renew his license or registration
may have his license or registration reinstated upon submission of a
reinstatement application and payment of the required reinstatement fee, if the
license or registration has been expired for three years or less. A licensee or
registrant whose license or registration has been expired for more than three
years must submit an application, pay the reinstatement fee, and pass all parts
of the board-required examination specific to that license or registration.

S
ection
40-13-560
.
(
A) An individual may operate a mobile
barbershop if the individual:

(
1)
is licensed pursuant to this article to engage in the practice of barbering;
and

(
2)
does not have a stationary office at the location where the barbering services
are provided.

(
B)
In order to operate a mobile barbershop, a barber shall apply to the board for
a mobile barbershop permit. The barber shall submit a permit application and
fee in the form and manner prescribed by the board in regulation.

(
C)
(
1) Before a mobile barbershop permit
may be issued, an inspection of the mobile barbershop must be conducted by a
representative of the board as required pursuant to Section
40-13-600
. Upon a
satisfactory inspection, the board shall issue the applicant a mobile
barbershop biennial permit to be affixed within the mobile barbershop as
prescribed by the board.

(
2)
A mobile barbershop permit must be biennially renewed, and a renewal fee paid,
as prescribed by the board in regulation.

(
3)
A mobile barbershop is subject to unannounced inspections and must be annually
inspected before a permit may be renewed.

(
D)
(
1) A mobile barbershop permittee
shall maintain an official business address, which must be indicated on the
permit application and which must not be a post office box. If an address
different from the official business address is used for official business,
then that address must also be provided. Permit applications must also include
the home address of the applicant. The inclusion of the applicant's home
address on the application does authorize the applicant to conduct business at
his home address if the applicant is issued a license.

(
2)
A mobile barbershop permittee shall maintain an official telephone number,
which must be indicated on the application. If other phones are used for
official business, then those phone numbers must also be provided.

(
3)
The board must be notified within thirty days of any change in the official
business address or telephone number as indicated on the permit application or
as otherwise provided to the board.

(
E) A
mobile barbershop permittee shall comply with all applicable federal, state,
and local laws, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to the practice of
barbering and with all applicable flammability, construction, sanitation,
zoning, or infectious waste management guidelines; Occupational Safety and
Health Administration guidelines; and federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention guidelines. The permittee shall maintain any applicable county and
city licenses or permits, including business licenses, to operate the mobile
barbershop at the location where barbering services will be provided.

(
F) A
mobile barbershop permittee shall maintain a written or an electronic record of
the street addresses where barbering services will be provided during any
two-week period.

(
G) A
barber at all times must be in charge and present during the operation of a
mobile barbershop and is responsible for all barbering services provided at the
mobile barbershop.

(
H)
(
1) A mobile barbershop permittee
shall notify the board in writing within thirty days of the last day of
operations when a mobile barbershop ceases to operate.

(
2)
A mobile barbershop permit is not transferable. If a mobile barbershop is sold,
the new owner shall apply to the board for a permit before providing barbering
services through the mobile barbershop.

(
I)
The board shall promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this
section including, but not limited to, establishing permit application and
renewal fees.

(
J) A
barber who violates a provision of this article or a regulation promulgated by
the board pursuant to this chapter is subject to disciplinary action as may be
determined by the board.

(
K)
The provisions of this section do not apply to a master barber or barber while
providing barbering services in a nursing home or community residential care
facility setting equipped and maintained in compliance with regulations and
other requirements concerning the equipping and maintenance of barbershops.

(
L) A
mobile barbershop is prohibited from operating within eyesight of the nearest
registered barbershop.

(
M) A
holder of a license for any category of barbering is authorized by this chapter
shall display it in a conspicuous place adjacent to or near the person's work
chair. The holder of a license shall affix to the license a passport-type
photograph of the license holder.

S
ection
40-13-570
.
(
A) Only those
individuals who are licensed to practice barbering, cosmetology, hairstyling,
or who are registered to practice hair braiding in this State may engage in the
practice of hair braiding or perform hair braiding services in this State.

(
B)
All implements used in connection with hair braiding must be disposable or must
be sanitized in a disinfectant approved for hospital use or approved by the
Environmental Protection Agency for commercial use.

(
C)
To practice hair braiding in this State an individual shall:

(
1)
apply to the board for registration by submitting an application and a 2x2 inch
passport-type photograph of applicant, in a manner prescribed by the board;

(
2)
provide satisfactory proof of successful completion of a one-day, six-hour
board approved hair braiding course;

(
3)
pass an examination administered by the board; and

(
4)
pay the required twenty-five dollar registration fee.

(
D)
The hair braiding course shall include instruction regarding:

(
1)
sanitation and sterilization including:

(
a)
universal sanitation and sterilization precautions;

(
b)
how to distinguish between disinfectants and antiseptics; and

(
c)
how to sanitize hands and disinfect tools used in the practice of hair
braiding;

(
2)
disorders and diseases of the scalp, including:

(
a)
how to distinguish between these disorders and diseases; and

(
b)
when hair braiding services can be performed on a client with disorders or
diseases of the scalp;

(
3)
where and when an individual may legally practice hair braiding; and

(
4)
the procedures, fees, and requirements for renewal of a hair braiding
registration.

(
E)
Registration to practice hair braiding is valid for two years or until the end
of the biennial licensure renewal cycle in which the registration is first
issued, whichever occurs first. The holder of a registration to practice hair
braiding shall renew his registration by submitting a renewal application and
paying the renewal fee.

(
F) A
registered hair braider who fails to timely renew his registration may have his
registration reinstated upon submission of a reinstatement application and
payment of the required reinstatement fee, if the registration has been expired
for three years or less. A registered hair braider whose registration has been
expired for more than three years may have his registration reinstated upon
submission of a reinstatement application, payment of the reinstatement fee,
and passing the board-required examination.

S
ection
40-13-580
.
(
A) A barber or master
barber training a student in a shop must have had three years' experience as a
barber and must have been examined and licensed by the board and determined to
be qualified to train a student barber. A barber found qualified after examination
must be issued an instructor's license as a barber instructor or master barber
instructor.

(
B) A
person registered as a barber instructor or as a master barber instructor may
train no more than two students at a time if each student has a chair at all
times.

S
ection
40-13-590
.
(
A) A person currently
licensed to practice barbering in another state, the District of Columbia, or a
United States territory who was licensed in 2006 or later may be issued a
license in this State if the applicant's current license is in good standing, and
if the applicant has passed a national examination acceptable to the board,
submits a completed application for a license to include license verification,
and pays the application fee. The application shall include a current 2x2 inch
passport-type photograph of the applicant.

(
B) A
person currently licensed to practice barbering in another state, the District
of Columbia or a United States territory who was licensed prior to 2006 may be
issued a license if the applicant's current license is in good standing, and if
the applicant has passed the state's licensing examination, submits a completed
application for a license, including license verification, and pays the
application fee. The application shall include a current 2x2 inch passport-type
photograph of the applicant.

(
C)
An applicant for licensure under this section is eligible to be licensed only
at a level equivalent to the license currently held.

(
D) A
person currently licensed as a barber instructor in another state, the District
of Columbia, or a United States territory who was licensed in 2006 or later, up
to the effective date of this section, may be issued an instructor license in
this State if the applicant's current license is in good standing, if the
applicant has passed a national examination acceptable to the board, submits a
completed application for a license to include license verification, and pays
the application fee. The application shall include a current 2x2 inch
passport-type photograph of the applicant.

(
E) A
person currently licensed as a barber instructor in another state, the District
of Columbia, or a United States territory who was licensed prior to 2006 may be
issued an instructor license if the applicant's current license is in good
standing, and if the applicant has passed the state licensing examination,
submits a completed application for a license, including license verification,
and pays the application fee. The application shall include a current 2x2 inch
passport-type photograph of the applicant.

(
F) A
person currently licensed as a barber instructor in another state, the District
of Columbia, or a United States territory who was licensed after the effective
date of this section, may be issued an instructor license in this State if the
applicant's current license is in good standing, if the applicant has passed a
national examination acceptable to the board and has also successfully
completed a methods of teaching course acceptable to the board, and pays the
application fee. The application shall include a current 2x2 inch passport-type
photograph of the applicant.

(
G)
An applicant for instructor licensure under this section is eligible to be
licensed only at a level equivalent to the license currently held.

S
ection
40-13-600
.
(
A) A barbershop must be
licensed by the board and must be managed by a board-licensed barber or master
barber. The manager shall be responsible for the barbershop's compliance with
this article and board regulations, and for the compliance of all individuals
working in the barbershop. Applications for licensure and inspection of new
shops must be made at least fifteen working days before opening the shop. No
new shop may be operated until all fees are paid and the shop has passed
inspection.

(
B) A
copy of the license, the most recent inspection report, and a copy of the
regulations for the sanitary management of a barbershop must be posted in a
conspicuous place in each barbershop.

(
C)
The members of the board, or their authorized agents, may enter a barbershop,
mobile barbershop or barber school at any reasonable time for the purposes of
inspection.

S
ection
40-13-610
. The board may issue a student permit to an inmate in the custody of
the State Department of Corrections who otherwise qualifies, and is attending a
licensed barber school or college within the correctional facility.

S
ection
40-13-620
.
(
A) A license is
required from the board to operate a barber school. A barber school may be
operated in and as part of an accredited high school, career center, or
technical school or college and must be licensed by the board. A barber school
that is not part of a secondary school is considered a postsecondary school.
The board shall prescribe the curriculum of a barber school. A copy of the most
recent inspection report and a copy of the regulations for the sanitary
management of a barbershop must be posted in a conspicuous place in each barber
school.

(
B) A
barber or master barber instructing students in a school must be licensed by
the board as a registered barber instructor or as a master barber instructor.

S
ection
40-13-630
.
T
hese persons are exempt from this article
while engaged in the proper discharge of their professional duties:

(
1)
persons authorized under the laws of this State to practice medicine and
surgery;

(
2)
commissioned medical or surgical officers of the United States Army, Navy, or
Marine hospital service;

(
3)
registered nurses;

(
4)
undertakers;

(
5)
persons authorized by state law to practice cosmetology, but only when they are
practicing in salons or schools of cosmetology or barbershops; and

(
6)
persons performing shampoos under the direct supervision of a barber or master
barber.

S
ECTION 2.
C
hapter 13, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is amended by
adding:

S
ection
40-13-365
.
(
A)
(
1) An individual may operate a
portable operation if the individual:

(
a)
is licensed pursuant to this chapter to engage in cosmetologist, hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician services; and

(
b)
has been issued a current portable operation permit that must have a base of
operations that is a licensed salon.

(
2)
An individual may apply to the board for a portable cosmetologist, hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician operation permit by submitting an application
on a form prescribed by the board and paying the initial permit fee. The
application shall include:

(
a)
the home address of the applicant, provided that including the applicant's home
address on the application does not authorize the applicant to conduct business
at his home address; and

(
b)
the portable operations business telephone number. If other telephones are used
in the operation of the portable operation, then the numbers for those
telephones must also be included.

(
3)
Upon application approval, the board shall issue a permit card to be carried by
the cosmetologist, hairstylist, esthetician, or nail technician when practicing
cosmetology pursuant to his permit.

(
4)
A portable cosmetologist, hairstylist, esthetician, or nail technician
operation permit must be biennially renewed by submitting a renewal application
on a form prescribed by the board and paying a permit renewal fee.

(
5)
The temporary location at which the portable operation permittee is providing
services must have sufficient facilities to allow for the services provided to
be performed in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with applicable
statutes and regulations.

(
B) A
cosmetologist, hairstylist, esthetician, or nail technician may provide only
those services in a portable operation within the scope of his credential type.

(
C) A
portable operation permittee shall comply with all applicable state laws
regulations pertaining to the practice of cosmetology.

(
D) A
portable operation permittee shall maintain a written or an electronic record
of the street addresses where cosmetologist, hairstylist, esthetician, or nail
technician services are provided during any two-week period.

(
E) A
permit issued pursuant to this section is not transferable.

(
F) A
cosmetologist, hairstylist, esthetician, or nail technician who violates a
provision of this section or a regulation promulgated by the board pursuant to
this section is subject to disciplinary action as may be determined by the
board.

S
ECTION 3.
S
ection
40-13-5
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-5
. Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, Article 1, Chapter 1
applies to cosmetologists,
hair braiders, hairstylists,
nail
technicians,
and
estheticians
,
and barbers
regulated or administered, or both, by the Department of
Labor, Licensing and Regulation. If there is a conflict between this chapter
and Article 1, Chapter 1, the provisions of this chapter control.

S
ECTION 4.
S
ection
40-13-10
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-10
.
(
A)
(
1)
A State Board of Cosmetology
and
Barbering
is created composed of
seven
nine
members appointed by the Governor with the advice
and consent of the Senate for terms of four years and until their successors
are appointed and qualify. Vacancies are filled in the manner of original
appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. Recommendations for
appointment may be made by the board and other interested groups or persons.
The recommendations must be submitted to the Governor not later than the
thirty-first day of December of the year preceding the year in which
appointments expire.
Four members of the board must be
experienced cosmetologists and must have been in the practice of cosmetology in
this State for at least five years before appointment. One member must be from
the public at large and not connected with the practice of cosmetology. One
member must be an esthetician and one must be a nail technician.
In comprising the board, there must be:

(
a) two members who are experienced
cosmetologists and have been in the practice of cosmetology in this State for
at least five years before appointment;

(
b) one member must have at least five
years of practical experience as a licensed esthetician;

(
c) one member must have at least five
years of practical experience as a licensed nail technician;

(
d) one member must have had at least
five years of practical experience as a barber;

(
e) one member must have at least five
years of practical experience as a master barber;

(
f) one member must be affiliated with
a school of barbering as an owner, instructor, or manager;

(
g) one member must be affiliated with
a school of cosmetology as an owner, instructor, or manager; and

(
h) one member must be from the public
at large and not connected with the practice of cosmetology or barbering or any
business related thereto whatsoever.

(
2)
It is unlawful for a member
of the board or an inspector or employee of the board, or a spouse of a board
member, inspector, or employee to own an interest in a cosmetology school
or barber school,
or
a
substantial
interest in a company which deals in wholesale sales or services to beauty
salons
, barbershops, mobile barbershops, cosmetology
schools,
or
barber
schools.

(
3)
The member of the board who
is not connected with the practice of cosmetology
or the
practice of barbering
has all rights and privileges of other members of
the board except the member may not participate in the examination of an
applicant for a license.

(
B)
(
1)
There is created an Advisory Committee to the State
Board of Cosmetology
and Barbering
composed of six
members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for
terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Terms
commence on
July 1, 2027, and on
April first
thereafter
. Vacancies on the committee must be filled in
the manner of original appointment for the unexpired term.

(
2)
The
following associations or groups shall recommend one person to the Governor for
appointment to the committee: the National Cosmetology Association of South
Carolina, the South Carolina State Cosmetologist Association, the South
Carolina Vocational Directors Association, the South Carolina Association of
Cosmetology Schools, the South Carolina Beauty Supply Dealers, and the teachers
of cosmetology in vocational or private schools.
Members
of the advisory committee must include appointments from:

(
a) post-secondary barber schools;

(
b) post-secondary cosmetology schools;

(
c) the State Board for Comprehensive
and Technical Education;

(
d) the State Department of Education,
regarding secondary schools where barbering or cosmetology
is
taught;

(
e) barber associations; and

(
f) cosmetology associations.

(
3)
Recommendations must be
submitted to the Governor not later than the thirty-first day of December of
the year preceding the year in which appointments expire. The Governor may
reject any person recommended for appointment upon a satisfactory showing that
the person is unfit to serve. If a person is rejected, the group or association
who recommended the person shall submit additional names to the Governor for
consideration.

(
4)
Committee members shall
receive the same mileage, subsistence, and per diem as provided by law for
members of state boards, committees, and commissions. The board shall meet with
the committee quarterly to discuss problems, make recommendations, and hear
reports of board policy affecting the industry. Special meetings may be called
by the board upon sufficient notice. Accurate minutes of all meetings must be
kept by the board as part of its public record.

S
ECTION 5.
S
ection
40-13-20
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-20
.
A
s used in this chapter:

(
1) "Barbershop" means a building or
any part of a building in which barbering or master barbering is performed.

(
2) "Barbering" means performing on the
general public for compensation any one or a combination of:

(
a) shaving or trimming a beard,
shampooing, cutting the hair, or styling the hair by any means, including
hands, or mechanical or electrical appliances or instruments;

(
b) giving cleansing facial or scalp
massages or treatments to scalp, neck
,
and face
with oils, creams, lotions, or other nonchemical or nonacid preparations,
either by hand or mechanical appliances that do not penetrate the epidermis of
the skin;

(
c) applying cosmetic preparations,
antiseptics, powders, oils, clays, and lotions to the scalp, neck, or face;

(
d) cutting, shaping, fitting, styling,
and servicing hair pieces, toupees, wigs and nonsurgical hair replacement
system
s;
and

(
e) performing manicures, which are a
cosmetic treatment of the hands that involves cutting, shaping, and/or
polishing natural nails, removal of cuticles and softening of the skin of the
hands and fingers.

(
3) "Barber school" or "school" means a
place or part of a place in which barbering or any of its practices are taught.

(1)
(
4)
"Beauty salon" or "salon" means a building or any
place, or part of a place or building including, but not limited to, a rental
booth, in which cosmetology is performed on the general public for
compensation.

(2)
(
5)
"Cosmetology" means engaging in any of these practices
or a combination of these practices when done for compensation either directly
or indirectly:

(
a)
arranging, styling, thermal curling, chemical waving, pressing, shampooing,
cutting, shaping, chemical bleaching, chemical coloring, chemical relaxing, or
similar work, upon the hair, wig, or hairpiece of any person, by any means,
with hands or mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances;

(
b)
using cosmetic preparations, make-up, antiseptics, lotions, creams, chemical
preparations on, or otherwise, or waxing, tweezing, cleansing, stimulating,
manipulating, beautifying, or similar work on the scalp, legs, feet, face,
neck, arms, hands; or

(
c)
manicuring or pedicuring the nails of a person or similar work.

(3)
(
6)
"Cosmetologist" means a person including, but not
limited to, an independent contractor, not a student, who is licensed to
practice cosmetology.

(4)
(
7)
"Cosmetology school", "beauty school", or "school"
means a place or part of a place in which cosmetology or any of its practices
are taught.

(5)
(
8)
"Esthetician" means a person including, but not
limited to, an independent contractor, who is licensed to practice skin care,
make-up, or similar work. Skin care is for the sole purpose of beautifying the
skin.

(
9) "Hair braiding" means the twisting,
braiding, weaving or interweaving of natural human hair for compensation
without cutting, styling, glueing, or sewing in hair extensions, coloring,
permanent waving, relaxing, removing, or chemical treatment of the hair. Hair
braiding also includes the use of hair extensions, except when used in public
places including, but not limited to, beaches, parks, and sidewalks.

(
10) "Hairstyling" means arranging,
styling, thermal cooling, chemical waving, pressing, shampooing, cutting,
shaping, chemical bleaching, chemical coloring, chemical relaxing, or similar
work on the hair, wig, or hairpiece of a person by any means, with hands and
mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliance.

(6)
(
11)
"Independent contractor" means a licensed
practitioner who rents or leases a place or part of a place in a beauty salon.

(7)
(
12)
"Instructor" means a person who is licensed to teach
barbering,
cosmetology
,
or
any practices of cosmetology in accordance with this chapter.

(
13) "Mobile barbershop" means a
mobile unit that is a self-contained, self-supporting enclosed motor vehicle or
trailer, which is licensed as an establishment for the practice of barbering.

(8)
(
14)
"Nail technician" means a person including, but not
limited to, an independent contractor, who is licensed to practice manicuring
or pedicuring the nails or similar work.

(
15) "Portable barber operation" means
equipment used in the practice of barbering that is in a mobile barbershop or
transported from a barbershop and used on a temporary basis at a location
including, but not limited to:

(
a) a client's home; or

(
b) another institution or location as
may be authorized by the board in regulation.

(
16) "Portable cosmetologist, hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician operation" or "portable operation" means
equipment used in the practice of cosmetology and is used on a temporary basis
at a location including, but not limited to:

(
a) a client's residence;

(
b) a client's short-term residence;

(
c) a place of business;

(
d) a special event venue; or

(
e) another institution or location as
may be authorized by the board.

(
17) "Practice of master barbering"
means performing on the general public for compensation for all barbering
services and also includes singeing or coloring the hair, or applying tonics or
chemicals to wave, relax, straighten, or lighten the hair.

(9)
(
18)
"Student" means a person who is engaged in learning
or acquiring the practices of
:

(
a)
cosmetology and, while
learning, performs or assists in any of the practices of cosmetology in a
school licensed under this chapter and under the instruction or immediate
supervision of an instructor licensed under
this chapter
Article 3; or

(
b) barbering and, while learning,
performs or assists in the practice of barbering in a school licensed under
this chapter and under the supervision of an instructor licensed under Article
5
.

(10)
(
19)
"Approved school" means a
:

(
a)
cosmetology, esthetician,
or
nail technician
, hair braider, or
hairstylist
school licensed by the
Board of
Cosmetology
board
or the board's equivalent
in the jurisdiction in which it is physically located
. In
states where licensure of a school is not required, a license may be issued,
upon application and approval by the board.
; and

(
b) barber school licensed by the board
or the board's equivalent in the jurisdiction in which it is located.

S
ECTION 6.
S
ection
40-13-40
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-40
.
(
A)
(
1)
A person registered as a barber or master
hair care specialist
barber

pursuant to the requirements of
Chapter 7 of this title
Aritlce 5
may practice within the scope authorized by the
person's license in a salon registered in accordance with this chapter.

(B)
(
2)
The provisions of this
section apply notwithstanding the provisions of Section
40-13-20
(1) or another
provision of law.

(
B) Notwithstanding another provision
of this chapter, a person licensed as a cosmetologist, hairstylist, esthetician,
or nail technician pursuant to this chapter may practice, within the scope
authorized by the person's license, in a barbershop registered in accordance
with this chapter.

(
C)
The department shall promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this
section.

S
ECTION 7.
S
ection
40-13-5
0 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-5
0.
(
A)
The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
shall provide all administrative, fiscal, investigative, inspectional,
clerical, secretarial, and license renewal operations and activities of the
board in accordance with Section
40-1-50
.

(
B) The board shall establish fees for:

(
1) examination, licensure, renewal,
and reinstatement fees for student barbers, barbers, master barbers, barber
instructors, portable barber operations, and any other category of barber
authorized by this chapter; and

(
2) the inspection, registration,
renewal, and registration reinstatement of barbershops, mobile barbershops, and
barber schools and colleges.

(
C) The board may prorate the license
fee as provided for in regulation. All fees must accompany applications,
license renewals, license reinstatements, barbershop inspections,
registrations, and renewals.

S
ECTION 8.
S
ection
40-13-60
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-60
. The board may adopt rules governing its proceedings and may
promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
Regulations relating to the sanitary management of salons
,

and schools must not be promulgated until approved by the
Department of Health and Environmental Control.
barbershops,
mobile barbershops, cosmetology schools, and barber schools must be furnished
by the board to the owner or manager of each salon, barbershop, mobile
barbershop, cosmetology school, and barber school in the State.

S
ECTION 9.
S
ection
40-13-90
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-90
. The results of an investigation must be presented to the board and
any subsequent hearing must be conducted in accordance with Section
40-1-90
.
Alternatively, the board may issue administrative citations and
may assess administrative penalties against a licensee for violations of this
chapter or regulation as specified by the board. Only one citation may be
issued and only one administrative penalty may be assessed for a single
violation; however, no more than five hundred dollars in administrative
penalties may be assessed against an individual or an entity per offense.
Administrative penalties authorized under this section are separate from and in
addition to all other remedies, either civil or criminal. A licensee assessed
administrative penalties may appeal those penalties to the board within ten
days of receipt of the citation. If an appeal is filed, a hearing shall be held
before the board or its designee, which shall make a determination in the
matter. If no appeal is filed, the citation is deemed a final order and the
administrative penalties must be paid within thirty days of receipt of the
citation.

S
ECTION 10.
S
ection
40-13-110
(A)(2) and (6) of the S.C. Code is
amended to read:

(
2) permitted a person in one's employ
or under one's supervision or control to practice as a cosmetologist,
hairstylist, hair braider, barber, master barber,
esthetician,
or nail technician without that person being licensed as a cosmetologist,
hairstylist, hair braider, barber, master barber,
esthetician,
or nail technician;

(
6)
practiced or attempted to practice cosmetology in any place other than a
licensed salon
or portable operation
, except in
case of an emergency including, but not limited to, illness, invalidism, or
death when a licensed operator may perform services for a person in another
place by appointment only;

S
ECTION 11.
S
ection
40-13-230
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-230
.
(
A) A license as a
cosmetologist must be issued by the board to a person who:

(
1)
is at least sixteen years of age and possesses at least a tenth grade education
or the equivalent as established by tests used in the public schools or tests
approved by the board;

(
2)
has completed
:

(
a)
at least one thousand five
hundred hours in
post-secondary school or at least one
thousand five hundred forty hours in secondary school
classes in
cosmetology in a reliable school
or college
approved
by the board or is a
registered master hair care
specialist pursuant to Chapter 7
master barber

who has satisfied educational requirements established by the board in
regulation; and

(
3)
has passed the examination prescribed by the board and pays the required fee.

(
B) A license as a hairstylist must be
issued by the board to a person who:

(
1) is at least sixteen years of age
and possesses at least a tenth grade education or the equivalent as established
by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board;

(
2) has completed at least one
thousand one hundred hours in hairstyling classes in a reliable school approved
by the board or is a registered master barber pursuant to Chapter 7 who has
satisfied educational requirements established by the board in regulation; and

(
3) has passed the examination
prescribed by the board and pays the required fee.

(B)
(
C)
A license as an esthetician must be issued by the
board to a person who:

(
1)
is at least sixteen years of age and possesses at least a tenth grade education
or the equivalent as established by tests used in the public schools or tests
approved by the board;

(
2)
has completed at least
four hundred fifty
six hundred
hours in classes in skin care in a reliable
school approved by the board or comparable training approved by the board
; and

(
3)
has passed the examination prescribed by the board and pays the required fee
.
; and

(
4) students enrolled in esthetician
programs prior to July 1, 2027, must be issued a license for completion of at
least four hundred fifty hours in classes in skin care in a reliable school
approved by the board or comparable training approved by the board so long as
all other requirements for licensure are met.

(C)
(
D)
A license as a nail technician must be issued by the
board to a person who:

(
1)
is at least sixteen years of age and possesses at least a tenth grade education
or the equivalent as established by tests used in the public schools or tests
approved by the board;

(
2)
has completed at least three hundred hours in classes in a reliable nail
technician school approved by the board or comparable training approved by the
board; and

(
3)
has passed the examination prescribed by the board and pays the required fee.

(D)
(
E)
Temporary permits to practice as a cosmetologist,
hairstylist,
esthetician, or nail technician may be
issued in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.

S
ECTION 12.
S
ection
40-13-240
(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to
read:

(
B) The board shall conduct
examinations of applicants for licenses to practice as cosmetologists,
hairstylists,
estheticians, or nail technicians not less
than three times each year, at times and places as the board may determine. The
examination of applicants for any license under this
chapter
article
must be conducted pursuant to regulations
promulgated by the board and shall include both practical demonstrations and
written tests on subjects the board determines to be necessary. Examinations
must be consistent with the prescribed curriculum and the practical and
theoretical requirements of the profession of cosmetology as prescribed in this

chapter
article
.

S
ECTION 13.
S
ection
40-13-260
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-260
.
(
A)
Schools and salons shall display appropriate signs
over the entrance to their establishments designating the nature of the
establishment. No school may operate in conjunction with a salon or any other
business or have doors which interconnect with salons or other businesses.

(
B)
This
chapter
article
may not be
construed to affect the operation of any beauty salon, licensed on May 11,
1966, located in a private residence insofar as provisions for separate toilet
facilities and separate entrances are concerned.

S
ECTION 14.
S
ection
40-13-360
of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

S
ection
40-13-360
.
T
he following are exempt from this chapter
while engaged in the proper discharge of their professional duties:

(
1)
a manufacturer's representative or sales person who demonstrates a product or
technique for a promotional purpose;

(
2)
an educational activity conducted in connection with a monthly, annual, or
other special program from which the general public is excluded, provided this
exemption applies only to the specific days of the special program;

(
3)
a demonstration conducted by a manufacturer or a wholesaler for the purpose of
exhibiting the technical application and use of a product; and

(
4)
an unlicensed person employed in a cosmetology salon whose duties are expressly
confined to shampooing hair under the direct supervision of a cosmetologist.

S
ECTION 15.
C
hapter 13, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is amended by
adding:

S
ection
40-13-25
.
A
person currently licensed to practice in
another state or territorial possession of the United States or the District of
Columbia, whose license is in good standing, may be issued a license in this
State by endorsement upon submission of an application and the applicable fee,
and showing that the person has:

(
1)
satisfactorily passed a nationally recognized examination for entry into the
profession; or

(
2)
(
a) been licensed for at least two
years in another state or territorial possession of the United States or the
District of Columbia, and

(
b)
completes four hours of board-approved continuing education, either in person
or online, in South Carolina state laws and regulations, client safety, and/or
infection control to include sanitation and disinfection. Completion of these
hours will also satisfy the continuing education requirements for renewal of
this license for the subsequent licensing period immediately following the
issuance of the license.

S
ECTION 16.
(
A) On July 1, 2027, all functions, powers, and duties
provided by law to the Board of Barber Examiners are hereby transferred to the
Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, and these functions, powers, and duties are
devolved upon the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The officers, members,
records, property, personnel, and unexpended appropriations of the Board of
Barber Examiners also are transferred to the Board of Cosmetology and
Barbering.

(
B) On July 1,
2027, the terms of the members of:

(
1) the Board of
Barber Examiners then serving terminate; and

(
2) the Board of
Cosmetology then serving terminate.

(
C) On July 1,
2027, regulations promulgated by the Board of Barber Examiners under the
authority of former provisions of Chapter 7, Title 40 of the S.C. Code repealed
by SECTION 17 of this act are:

(
1) continued
and are considered to be promulgated under the authority of present provisions
of law pertaining to it in this act; and

(
2) transferred
to and devolved upon to the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

(
D) On July 1,
2027, licenses, certificates of registration, and any other credentials issued
under the authority of former provisions of Chapter 7, Title 40 of the S.C.
Code repealed by SECTION 17 of this act are transferred to the Board of
Cosmetology and Barbering, as are their renewal cycles, continuing education
requirements, and disciplinary investigations, which must remain valid.

S
ECTION 17.
(
A) Chapter 13, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is
redesignated "Barbers and Cosmetologists."

(
B) Sections
40-13-5
through
40-13-210
of the S.C. Code are designated "Article 1, entitled
General Provisions."

(
C) Sections
40-13-230
through
40-13-360
of the S.C. Code are designated "Article 3,
entitled Cosmetologists and Cosmetology."

S
ECTION 18.
Chapter 7, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is repealed.

S
ECTION 19. This act takes effect July 1, 2027.

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This web page was last updated on May 13, 2026 at 8:43 PM