Indiana Bill to De-regulate Cosmetology License Killed Due to Estheticians' Testimony

Indiana Rep. Dave Wolkins killed a bill Wednesday that would have eliminated licenses for cosmetologists and a handful of other professions. Wolkins, R-Winona Lake, said the stylists, estheticians and others who came to testify on the bill last week were so persuasive that their industry should be licensed and regulated that he would not even ask for a vote on the legislation. "They were amazing," Wolkins said of the hundreds of people who came to protest the bill. "They won the day. They made their case.

"Wolkins authored the House Bill 1006 after a legislatively appointed group - the Regulated Occupation Evaluations Committee - studied licensing issues last year. The group recommended the elimination of the boards overseeing cosmetologists, dietitians, hearing aid dealers, private investigator firms and security guards. Wolkins had initially said that the study group's recommendations deserved a vote, particularly because lawmakers had created the committee. But on Wednesday, he said the cosmetologists had made their point clearly and there was no appetite for a vote on the measure.

By Lesley Weidenbener / Special to the Courier & Press Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The NCEA and Skin Inc. magazine thanks all estheticians and cosmetologists who made their voice heard and MADE A DIFFERENCE!

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