posted on: 03/18/2024
The West Virginia legislature introduced House Bill 5566 (HB 5566), the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (Compact), in February to simplify interstate cosmetology practice and regulation with the goal of reducing unnecessary burdens related to licensure by endorsement or reciprocity. Essentially, HB 5566 will make it easier for licensed cosmetologists to work in other jurisdictions.
Once at least seven states pass the bill, cosmetologists in participating states will be able to obtain a multistate license, so long as they have no encumbrances against their license in their home state. The Compact will allow licensed cosmetologists to temporarily move from one compact state to another without long application wait times or a hiatus between practicing. The bill ultimately increases the mobility of lawfully practicing cosmetologists in compact-participating states by reducing long processing times. Learn more about the Cosmetology Licensure Compact here.
AHP is in favor of HB 5566 and will send a letter of support to the West Virginia legislature ahead of the upcoming committee hearing. If you believe an interstate license would benefit cosmetologists, write a letter to your elected officials. Please feel free to model your letter after ours and share your own experiences with lawmakers.
You can find your delegate here. If you have questions about the Compact, email AHP’s Government Relations team at gr@associatedhairprofessionals.com.
Note: The Compact is only for licensed cosmetologists and is not available to licensed barbers or licensed estheticians. Compacts for these professions may become available in the future.