Sen. Miramant introduces bill to improve cosmetology licensing process

AUGUSTA — A bill by Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden, would improve the cosmetology licensing process by clarifying that out-of-state training meets Maine’s requirement. On Tuesday, LD 486, “An Act to Improve Efficiencies in Cosmetology Licensing,” received a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business.

“This bill makes it clear that cosmetology training in other states meets the requirement for a cosmetology license in Maine. This will remove unnecessary obstacles for folks who move to Maine and try to practice their profession,” said Sen. Miramant. “Since we seem to have a hard time drawing people into our state and keeping our young people here, we’ve got to hang on to everyone. We must work with them, not against them.”

A problem with cosmetology licensing was brought to Sen. Miramant’s attention by two of his constituents. They had studied cosmetology and completed initial experiential training out of state before moving to Maine. Once in Maine, they worked under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist until they had accrued the hours required to apply for a license from the Board of Cosmetology. Initially, the Board rejected both of their applications on the grounds that their out-of-state training did not meet Maine’s requirement.

LD 486 faces further action in the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee as well as votes in the Maine House and Senate.