An Act To Amend the Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Laws
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 1768
Committee: Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business
Sponsors: DAUGHTRY
Amends: 32 MRSA §14202, 32 MRSA §14203, 32 MRSA §14204, 32 MRSA §14205, 32 MRSA §14212-A, 32 MRSA §14224, 32 MRSA §14225, 32 MRSA §14226, 32 MRSA §14227, 32 MRSA §14227-A, 32 MRSA §14228, 32 MRSA §14229, 32 MRSA §14229-A, 32 MRSA §14230, 32 MRSA §14231, 32 MRSA §14232, 32 MRSA §14233, 32 MRSA §14234, 32 MRSA §14235, 32 MRSA §14236-A, 32 MRSA §14246, 32 MRSA §14248, 32 MRSA §14250

Legislative Document
No. 1768
H.P. 1255
House of Representatives, May 23, 2019
An Act To Amend the Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Laws
Submitted by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation pursuant to Joint 
Rule 204.
Reference to the Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and 
Business suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative DAUGHTRY of Brunswick.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§3-A, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §1, 
is repealed.
Sec. 2.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 397, §6, is amended 
to read:
5.  Establishment.  "Establishment" or "shop" means a beauty shop or salon, 
cosmetology shop or salon, barber shop or salon or hair styling shop or salon, or any 
premises, structure, building or part of a building where any activity licensed under this 
chapter is practiced.
Sec. 3.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§5-A, as enacted by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §2, is 
repealed.
Sec. 4.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 397, §6, is amended 
to read:
6.  Mobile establishment.  "Mobile shop establishment" means a mobile vehicle or 
mobile structure designed, constructed or adapted to serve as a shop an establishment at a 
number of sites and capable of being readily moved from any site at any time.
Sec. 5.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§8, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 397, §6, is repealed.
Sec. 6.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§8-A is enacted to read:
8-A.  Practice of barber hair styling.  "Practice of barber hair styling" means any 
one or any combination of the following practices, when done for hire or compensation, 
upon the head of the human body for cosmetic purposes and not for the treatment of 
disease or physical or mental ailments:
A.  Shaving, trimming or cutting the beard or mustache or removing superfluous hair;
B.  Massaging of the scalp, face and neck and giving a facial and scalp treatment with 
creams, lotions, oils and other cosmetic preparations, either by hand or mechanical 
appliances, but such appliances may not be galvanic or faradic;
C.  Shampooing or applying hair tonics and conditioners;
D.  Cutting, arranging and styling the human hair; or
E.  Cutting, fitting or styling hairpieces or wigs.
Sec. 7.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§9, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 397, §6, is 
amended to read:
D.  Arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, trimming, removing, 
which includes shaving, singeing, bleaching, coloring, relaxing or similarly treating 
the hair of any person;
Sec. 8.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§10-A, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, 
§4, is further amended to read:
10-A.  School.  "School" means a school or education institution where a program of 
study in cosmetology, barbering, limited barbering barber hair styling, aesthetics or nail 
technology or the instruction of cosmetology, barbering, limited barbering barber hair 
styling, aesthetics or nail technology is offered or taught.
Sec. 9.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§11, ¶B, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, 
§5, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
B.  Barber hair styling;
Sec. 10.  32 MRSA §14202, sub-§13, ¶B, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, 
§6, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
B.  Barber hair styling;
Sec. 11.  32 MRSA §14203, sub-§1-A is enacted to read:
1-A.  Activities exempted.  A license under this chapter is not required for the 
following activities:
A.  Hair braiding services;
B.  Threading services for removal of unwanted facial hair;
C.  Selling makeup, oils and cosmetics and application of those products during the 
process of selling those products by persons employed by a retail store; and
D.  Tanning services by means of airbrushing or spray tanning.
Sec. 12.  32 MRSA §14203, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §7, is 
further amended to read:
2.  Exceptions.  The practice of cosmetology, barbering, limited barbering barber 
hair styling, aesthetics or nail technology may be carried on performed only by persons 
duly licensed to practice in this State and only in an establishment licensed by the 
director, except as provided in this subsection.  Duly licensed persons may practice their 
respective practices:
A.  On patients in hospitals or nursing homes;
B.  On residents of youth camps;
C.  On inmates or residents of institutions of the Department of Health and Human 
Services or the Department of Corrections;
D.  On invalids or handicapped persons in those persons' places of residence;
E.  On residents of nursing homes;
F.  On hotel or motel occupants in their hotel or motel rooms;
G.  On persons in their residences;
H.  On persons in their private businesses;
I.  On human remains in licensed funeral establishments; and
J.  On persons at special events with a special event services permit.  Services 
rendered pursuant to this paragraph must be rendered for compensation.  A person 
may not perform special event services without first obtaining a special event 
services permit from the director.  The services provided pursuant to the special event 
services permit must comply with any applicable public health and safety 
requirements, the requirements of this chapter and all federal, state and local laws.
Sec. 13.  32 MRSA §14203, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 2015, c. 132, §1, is 
repealed.
Sec. 14.  32 MRSA §14204, first ¶, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §8, is 
further amended to read:
A person may not instruct in any of the branches of aesthetics, barbering, limited 
barbering barber hair styling, cosmetology or nail technology unless that person holds a 
valid license to practice and is authorized to instruct in each respective practice issued 
under this chapter, except that when specifically authorized by law, physicians may 
instruct without holding a license to practice in a branch of aesthetics, barbering, limited 
barbering barber hair styling, cosmetology or nail technology.
Sec. 15.  32 MRSA §14205, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §9, is 
further amended to read:
1.  Penalties.  A person is subject to the provisions of section 14236-A and Title 10, 
section 8003, subsection 5-A if that person:
A.  Practices barbering, limited barbering barber hair styling, cosmetology, nail 
technology or aesthetics in this State without having obtained a license as provided 
by this chapter;
B.  Employs a person to practice barbering, limited barbering barber hair styling, 
cosmetology, nail technology or aesthetics who does not have a license; or
C.  Falsely professes to be qualified to practice or instruct barbering, limited 
barbering barber hair styling, cosmetology, nail technology or aesthetics under this 
chapter.
Sec. 16.  32 MRSA §14212-A, sub-§2, ¶A, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. 
M, §10, is further amended to read:
A.  Requirements for the licensure of aestheticians, barbers, limited barbers barber 
hair stylists, cosmetologists, nail technicians, demonstrators, instructors and trainees;
Sec. 17.  32 MRSA §14212-A, sub-§2, ¶C, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. B, 
§10, is amended to read:
C.  Requirements for licensing and operation of physical facilities and inspection of 
establishments and booths consistent with this chapter; and
Sec. 18.  32 MRSA §14224, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §11, 
is further amended to read:
1.  Practice; license required.  A person may not practice cosmetology, barbering, 
limited barbering barber hair styling, nail technology or aesthetics or act as a trainee in 
this State unless that person has first obtained a license as provided in this chapter.
Sec. 19.  32 MRSA §14224, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §12, 
is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
2.  Level 1 establishment license and level 2 establishment license; operation; 
license required.  A person, firm, corporation or other legal entity may not provide 
services in, operate or cause to be operated a level 1 establishment or a level 2 
establishment where cosmetology, barber hair styling, nail technology or aesthetics is 
practiced unless that establishment has been licensed by the director.  A level 1 
establishment license or a level 2 establishment license issued pursuant to this subsection 
authorizes the operation of an establishment only at the location for which the license is 
issued.  Operation of a level 1 establishment or level 2 establishment at any other location 
is unlawful unless a license for the new location has been obtained in compliance with 
this chapter and applicable rules.
A.  A level 1 establishment licensee is a person who owns an establishment, who may 
hold a license to practice under this chapter and who may employ one or more 
individuals licensed to practice in one or a combination of the practices licensed 
under this chapter.  A level 1 establishment owner may lease space or a chair or 
station within or on its premises to a level 2 establishment owner.
B.  A level 2 establishment licensee is a person who holds a license to practice under 
this chapter and who leases space or a chair or station, pursuant to a written 
agreement or contract, within or on the premises of a licensed level 1 establishment 
and who provides services separate and apart from the level 1 establishment licensee.  
A level 2 establishment licensee is not an employee of the level 1 establishment 
licensee from whom the level 2 establishment licensee leases space or a chair or 
station and is subject to licensure, fees and compliance with laws and rules in the 
same manner as the level 1 establishment licensee.  A person who is required to work 
under the supervision of a person licensed to practice under this chapter such as a 
holder of a temporary license issued pursuant to section 14230 or a trainee licensed 
pursuant to section 14232 is not eligible for a level 2 establishment license.
The director shall furnish to each licensed cosmetologist, barber hair stylist, nail 
technician or aesthetician a license certifying that the holder of that license is entitled to 
practice in this State. The licensee shall post the license in a conspicuous place where it 
may be readily seen and read by all persons served. The reproduction, altering or defacing 
of any license is prohibited.
The exceptions listed in section 14203, subsection 2 do not permit the practice of 
cosmetology, barber hair styling, nail technology or aesthetics in food establishments or 
food preparation areas.
Sec. 20.  32 MRSA §14224, sub-§2-B, as amended by PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. B, 
§12, is further amended to read:
2-B.  Change of ownership.  The owner of a new shop establishment is required to 
apply to the director for licensure of that shop establishment.  The owner of a licensed 
shop that undergoes a change in location is required to reapply to the director for 
licensure.  The owner or owners of a licensed shop establishment that undergoes a change 
in ownership shall notify the director within 7 10 calendar days of the change.  If a shop 
an establishment has more than one owner and the change in ownership results from the 
death or divorce of one of the owners, the notice must be provided to the director as set 
forth in subsection 2-C.  Whenever there is a change of ownership, the shop 
establishment license is valid for 30 calendar days from the transaction date to allow the 
new owner to comply with this section.
Sec. 21.  32 MRSA §14224, sub-§2-C, as amended by PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. B, 
§13, is further amended to read:
2-C.  Ownership changes resulting from death or divorce of an owner.  If a 
licensed shop establishment has more than one owner and ownership changes as a result 
of the death or divorce of one of the owners, the director shall reissue the license for the 
remaining license period as long as a remaining owner is named on the existing license 
and the director is notified within 30 calendar days of the divorce decree or the date of 
death.  A shop An establishment license is valid for 60 calendar days following the death 
of the person in whose name the shop establishment is licensed.
Sec. 22.  32 MRSA §14224, sub-§2-D, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 622, §2, is 
repealed.
Sec. 23.  32 MRSA §14224, sub-§2-E is enacted to read:
2-E.  Change of establishment location.  The owner of a licensed establishment that 
undergoes a change in location shall notify the director, in a format as prescribed by the 
director, within 10 calendar days of the change in location.  The director shall issue a 
license for the new location.  The owner is not required to submit a new application and 
fee. The new location is subject to all requirements for the operation of an establishment 
and may be subject to inspection.
Sec. 24.  32 MRSA §14224, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §13, 
is further amended to read:
3.  Trainee.  A trainee cosmetologist, barber, limited barber hair stylist, nail 
technician or aesthetician licensed pursuant to section 14232 may not independently 
conduct a practice but may, as a trainee, do any or all acts constituting the practice under 
the immediate personal supervision of a person duly licensed and approved by the 
director in a licensed shop establishment.
Sec. 25.  32 MRSA §14224, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §14, 
is further amended to read:
4.  Student.  A student studying the practice of cosmetology, barbering, limited 
barbering barber hair styling, nail technology, aesthetics or instructing must be enrolled in 
a school licensed by the director pursuant to section 14233.
Sec. 26.  32 MRSA §14225, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §15, is further 
amended to read:
§14225.  Special mobile establishment license
The director may, subject to section 14212-A, subsection 2, adopt rules authorizing 
the issuance of special mobile shop establishment licenses, including requirements for 
mobile shops establishments, locations for these shops establishments and any other rules 
that the director considers necessary.  The fee for a special mobile shop establishment 
license is set under section 14238.
A special mobile shop establishment license issued pursuant to this section must set 
out on the license the area in which that mobile shop establishment is authorized to 
operate and any other special requirements or restrictions to which that license is subject.  
A separate license must be obtained for each municipality in which a mobile shop 
establishment operates.
Sec. 27.  32 MRSA §14226, sub-§§1 and 2, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 397, §6, 
are repealed.
Sec. 28.  32 MRSA §14227, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §§18 and 19, 
is repealed.
Sec. 29.  32 MRSA §14227-A, as enacted by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §20, is 
amended to read:
§14227-A.  Qualifications; barber hair styling
A person is eligible to obtain a license under this chapter for the practice of limited 
barbering barber hair styling if that person:
1.  Age.  Is at least 17 years of age;
2.  Education.  Has satisfactorily completed the 10th grade in a secondary school or 
its equivalent;
3.  Training.  Has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction in the practice of 
limited barbering barber hair styling of 800 hours in not less than 5 months in a school 
licensed by the director or has experience in the practice of limited barbering barber hair 
styling as a trainee of 1,600 hours distributed over a period of at least 10 months; and
4.  Examination.  Has passed an approved examination.
Sec. 30.  32 MRSA §14228, sub-§§1 and 2, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 397, §6, 
are repealed.
Sec. 31.  32 MRSA §14229, sub-§§1 and 2, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 397, §6, 
are repealed.
Sec. 32.  32 MRSA §14229-A, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §23, is 
further amended to read:
§14229-A.  Initial license; reexamination
Within one year of notification of passing an examination, the applicant must pay a 
fee as set under section 14238 to receive a first an initial license; otherwise, the applicant 
must retake the full examination to apply for initial licensure.  The first initial license is 
valid until the next renewal period.  The director has the authority to waive the one-year 
time period for extenuating circumstances.  
Sec. 33.  32 MRSA §14230, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §24, is further 
amended to read:
§14230.  Temporary license
If an applicant to practice cosmetology, barbering, limited barbering barber hair 
styling, nail technology or aesthetics qualifies for examination, the director may issue to 
that applicant a temporary license to practice under the direct supervision of a qualified 
supervisor, as determined by rules, within a licensed shop establishment.  The applicant 
must pay the fee as set under section 14238.  A temporary license expires 6 months from 
the date of issuance and is not renewable.  The applicant is not considered a trainee.
Sec. 34.  32 MRSA §14231, first ¶, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §25, 
is further amended to read:
The director may waive the examination and grant issue a license to any applicant 
who presents proof of being licensed to practice by another state or other jurisdiction of 
the United States or as long as no cause exists for denial of a license under section 
14236-A.  The director may grant a license to any applicant who presents proof of being 
licensed in another country that maintains professional standards considered by the 
director to be equivalent to or higher than those set forth in this chapter, as long as no 
cause exists for denial of a license under section 14236-A. Such an applicant must pay the 
fee as provided in section 14238.
Sec. 35.  32 MRSA §14232, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §26, 
is further amended to read:
2.  Filing with the director.  Before beginning training, a trainee must file with the 
director:
A.  The employer's name, shop establishment name and address;
B.  The date that the training will begin;
C.  The type of training, such as cosmetology, barbering, limited barbering barber 
hair styling, nail technology or aesthetics;
D.  Evidence of age; and
E.  Evidence of satisfactory completion of the 10th grade or its equivalent; and
F.  The name of the licensee who will directly supervise the trainee in compliance 
with section 14224, subsection 3.
Trainees who change their place of employment must, employer or qualified supervisor 
shall, as prescribed, notify the director within 10 calendar days of the change and must 
file a new.  The trainee is not required to submit a new application and fee.
Sec. 36.  32 MRSA §14232, sub-§3-A is enacted to read:
3-A.  Qualified supervisor; trainees per establishment.  A level 1 establishment 
licensee may have no more than 5 trainees at one time.  A level 2 establishment licensee 
may have no more than one trainee at one time.  A qualified supervisor may not supervise 
more than 2 trainees at one time.
Sec. 37.  32 MRSA §14232, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §26, 
is further amended to read:
4.  Renewal; display; examination.  The director shall furnish a trainee license to 
each trainee.  A trainee license is renewable upon payment of the fee as set under section 
14238.  The license must be displayed as provided for licenses in section 14224.  The 
term "trainee" must appear in conspicuous print on the license.  To be licensed as a 
cosmetologist, barber, limited barber hair stylist, aesthetician or nail technician, a trainee, 
upon completion of the required training in accordance with this chapter, must pass an 
approved examination.
Sec. 38.  32 MRSA §14233, 2nd ¶, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §27, is 
further amended to read:
To be eligible for enrollment, the student must be at least 16 years of age and have 
satisfactorily completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.  Schools may accept a student 
who is 15 years of age at the time of enrollment if the student attains 16 years of age 
during the course of the study enrollment period.  Evidence of the student's eligibility and 
enrollment in the school must be maintained by the school and presented to the director 
or a designee of the director as required by rule and upon request.
Sec. 39.  32 MRSA §14234, as amended by PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. B, §32, is 
repealed.
Sec. 40.  32 MRSA §14235, first ¶, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, §28, 
is further amended to read:
Licensees must renew their licenses annually by filing an application and paying the 
renewal fee as set under section 14238.  The expiration dates for licenses issued under 
this chapter may be established by the commissioner.
Sec. 41.  32 MRSA §14236-A, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2011, c. 286, Pt. M, 
§29, is further amended to read:
1.  Disciplinary action.  In addition to the grounds enumerated in Title 10, section 
8003, subsection 5-A, paragraph A, the director or the director's designee may deny a 
license, refuse to renew a license under this chapter or impose the disciplinary sanctions 
authorized by Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5-A for:
A.  Addiction, as confirmed by professional diagnosis, to the use of alcohol or other 
drugs that has resulted or may result in the licensee's being unable to perform duties 
or being unable to perform those duties in a manner that would not endanger the 
health or safety of the public to be served;
B.  A professional diagnosis of mental incompetence;
C.  Engaging in false, misleading or deceptive advertising;
D.  Employing a person to practice cosmetology, barbering, limited barbering barber 
hair styling, nail technology or aesthetics who does not hold a valid license, unless 
that person is a trainee within the meaning of this chapter; or
E.  Any negligence or misconduct in any of the practices licensed under this chapter.
Sec. 42.  32 MRSA §14246, sub-§4 is enacted to read:
4.  Exemption.  A career and technical education center pursuant to Title 20-A, 
chapter 313 that does not assess or collect tuition for a course of study offered is exempt 
from the surety bond or financial audit filing requirement under this section.
Sec. 43.  32 MRSA §14248, as amended by PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. B, §40, is further 
amended to read:
§14248.  On-site evaluations
The director shall may conduct biennial on-site evaluations of schools to ensure 
compliance with this subchapter and applicable rules.  The expense of the on-site 
evaluation must be borne by the school examined.  
Sec. 44.  32 MRSA §14250, as amended by PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. B, §42, is 
repealed.
Sec. 45.  Transition provision.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in 
the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, chapter 126:
1.  Barber licensees.  The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation shall 
provide each person holding an active barber license on the effective date of this Act the 
option of being issued a barber hair stylist license to perform haircutting services that do 
not involve chemical services or, if the licensee intends to perform chemical services, a 
cosmetologist license;
2.  Limited barber licensees.  The Department of Professional and Financial 
Regulation shall issue each person holding an active limited barber license on the 
effective date of this Act a barber hair stylist license;
3.  Instructor license to teach barbering.  The Department of Professional and 
Financial Regulation shall issue each person holding an active instructor license to teach 
barbering on the effective date of this Act an instructor license to teach barber hair 
styling;
4.  Booth licensees.  The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation shall 
issue each person holding an active booth license on the effective date of this Act a level 
establishment license upon affirmation, by the licensee and the level 1 establishment 
owner, that the level 2 establishment owner is a lessee of the level 1 establishment owner 
and is not an employee; and
5.  Demonstrator licensees.  The Department of Professional and Financial 
Regulation shall notify each person holding an active demonstrator license on the 
effective date of this Act that, upon the expiration of the demonstrator license, the license 
will not be renewed.
SUMMARY
This bill makes changes to the laws governing barbering and cosmetology.
It eliminates the demonstrator license.
It eliminates the barber license and renames the "limited barbering" license the 
"barber hair styling" license.
It clarifies provisions regarding establishment owners and booth owners by creating 
level 1 establishments and level 2 establishments and providing that leased space is 
considered an establishment.
It replaces references to "shop" with "establishment."
It clarifies that the cosmetology scope of practice includes shaving.
It exempts certain cosmetology-associated activities from licensure requirements.
It allows the practice of cosmetology, barber hair styling, aesthetics and nail 
technology on inmates of institutions of the Department of Corrections.
It changes the 7-day reporting requirement for the change of ownership or location of 
an establishment to a 10-day reporting requirement for consistency with general reporting 
requirements of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of 
Professional and Occupational Regulation under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, 
section 8003-G.  Where applicable, the bill adds the word "calendar" to other reporting 
requirements.  The bill eliminates the necessity of submitting a new application and fee 
for an establishment location change and makes a location change of a level 1 
establishment or level 2 establishment a reporting requirement.  The new location is still 
subject to meeting all current laws and rules and inspection requirements.
It repeals provisions regarding the age and minimum education requirements for 
initial practice licenses.
It clarifies reporting requirements for trainees for a change in employer or qualified 
supervisor and also clarifies the number of trainees per establishment that may be trained 
at one time.
It authorizes the Director of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation 
to issue a license to a person who holds a valid license in another jurisdiction of the 
United States.
Current law requires that a student enrolling in a course of study be at least 16 years 
of age.  The bill adjusts the minimum school enrollment age to 15 years of age with the 
stipulation that the student turns 16 years of age at some point during the student's course 
of study.
It exempts career and technical education centers that do not collect student tuition 
for a course of study from surety bond and financial audit requirements.