Help your industry and take action against Senate Bill 1914 and House Bill 1945.
Scottsdale, AZ (February 10, 2020) – The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive national trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors, salon and spa business owners, and licensed beauty professionals, has issued an action alert to oppose deregulation in Tennessee.
A set of companion bills, Senate Bill 1914 and House Bill 1945, have been introduced by State Senator Janice Bowling and State Representative Martin Daniel that, if passed, would allow any person to practice cosmetology without a license as long as the provider enters into a written contract with the client to waive all liability. PBA views this legislation as a detriment to consumer safety, and encourages action opposing these bills.
Tennessee’s salon industry is a vibrant and growing industry, generating $1.1 billion in annual sales and providing employment for more than 8,800 individuals. Between 2008 and 2018, the number of salon industry jobs in Tennessee increased 11%. In comparison, total private sector employment in the state also rose 11% during the same 10-year period. Not only does the state’s salon industry provide employment opportunities in a challenging economic environment, it also gives individuals of all backgrounds the ability to start their own business. In fact, 75% of Tennessee’s salon businesses are owned by women, compared to only 36% of businesses in the state’s overall private sector. 46% of business in Tennessee’s salon industry are Black or African American owned, as well, versus just 14% of total private sector businesses in the state.
The current national system ensures that professionals holding a license as a cosmetologist have received structured training in a public or private licensed school and have passed the required test established by state regulation.
Government Affairs Director Myra Reddy shares why these companion bills are so detrimental to both consumers and the professional beauty industry,
“Licensing for the professional beauty industry should remain mandatory due to the use of highly concentrated professional chemicals/products, the use of instruments, and the hands on nature of professional services provided to the hair, skin, and body. Cosmetology and barbering fees provide $2,534,800 dollars of revenue a year in Tennessee, and the beauty industry employs 9,000 licensed individuals. Occupational licensing is not a barrier to work.”
Myra Reddy, Government Affairs Director
To take action, Tennessee residents can click on the below link via the Professional Beauty Association to send an email to these officials with one click:
Residents may also contact Senator Janice Bowling and Representative Daniel to OPPOSE both SB 1945 and HB 1945.
CONTACT Senator Janice Bowling
Email: sen.janice.bowling@capitol.tn.gov
Office: (615) 741-6694
Fax: (615) 253-0260
CONTACT Representative Martin Daniel
Email: rep.martin.daniel@capitol.tn.gov
Office: (615) 741-2287
Fax: (615) 253-0348
The Professional Beauty Association Additional questions can be directed to Myra Reddy, Government Affairs Director at Professional Beauty Association, myra@probeauty.org or Erin Walter, Brand Manager at Professional Beauty Association, erin@probeauty.org.
