TEXAS — Texas House Bill 1705 is making waves across the nation.
Since our original story aired regarding House Bill 1705, 1.2 million people have viewed, and thousands have chimed in.
Texas House Bill 1705 would remove the need for a license to practice cosmetology in the state of Texas.
Currently, Texas licensed cosmetologists are required to receive 1,500 school hours and to take several regulated tests prior to licensing. House Bill 1705 would removed the need for any of those regulations in the future.
We met with several professionals who seemed worried about the public's safety if the bill passes.
"As a client, how would I know that I am going to be receiving the care that is deserved it to me, and that I'm paying for," said Emily Ingraham, a Redken professional colorist.
We also spoke with Larry Groseclose, an instructor for almost a decade at the Central Texas Beauty College. He also shared his concerns if House Bill 1705 passes.
"We all think [cosmetology] is really creative and fun, but if you don't know the science of this and the principals of it, it could go really south," said Groseclose.
Many professionals have explained their fear about the public contracting different bacterial infections like MRSA, staphylococcus, fungle infections and more.
We reached out to Texas Rep. Matt Shaheen's office to receive comment from him asking why he believes House Bill 1705 would be a positive move for the state of Texas.
After several days of calling, we received this message via email from his team:
The legislation was created to expand employment opportunities by eliminating unnecessary occupational licenses. I have always made public safety a priority, and I fully support various occupational licenses in our state that are required to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Cosmetology is a field in which the consumer can be trusted to seek out the best service provider without any serious risk of harm. There are several vocations in Texas that pertain to aspects of public safety like car mechanics, personal trainers, and electrologists that are not required by the state to be licensed. It is shocking that the average EMT is required to complete 120-150 hours of training on average whereas cosmetologists are required to complete 1500 hours of training. Texans that are willing to join the workforce and compete - especially low income Texans looking to improve their lives - should face the fewest obstacles possible, and by requiring a cosmetology license, we’re creating unnecessary obstacles for those who want to earn a living
Texas House Bill 1705 is currently in committee, if passed, it would take affect Sept. 1.
