The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology has voted to reduce the training hours required for a cosmetology license from 1,500 to 1,000, although steps including a public hearing remain in the process to change the regulation. Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the July 11 vote in a Tuesday press release.
“Reducing regulatory obstacles that get in the way of both businesses and talented Virginians from entering the workforce has been a priority of mine since day one. Not only will this allow individuals to get to work sooner and help businesses find skilled workers, but it even reduces the amount of student loans a graduate will have to take on,” Youngkin said.
According to the release, the reduction in hours will come alongside an extra emphasis on public protection.
“We’re taking a hard look at the requirements to get and keep a license. The right to earn a living without unnecessary government obstruction is a fundamental right. This is just the first step in reforming occupational licensing in Virginia and ensuring the government works for all citizens of the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said. “We are ensuring our licensing requirements are focused on protecting the public and provide opportunities for out-of-state skilled workers such as military spouses or dislocated workers, to get licensed in Virginia. These measures are common-sense solutions to strengthen our economy.”
Youngkin campaigned on regulation cuts to make it easier for small businesses in Virginia.
“Since day one we have been executing the Governor’s commitment to reduce 25 percent of Virginia’s regulatory burdens on the 40 plus occupations and professions regulated by DPOR [Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation] boards,” Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater said in the release. “We obviously still have a lot of work ahead of us—Virginia’s workforce and businesses will benefit substantially by the elimination of unnecessary regulatory obstacles to jobs and economic opportunities.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
