Oklahoma lawmakers have passed a bill to keep the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering operating for another year. The board, which oversees more than 77,000 professionals, was set to shut down after Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed a measure to extend it. In response, Senator Brian Hill and Representative Gerrid Kendrix introduced new legislation to delay the shutdown, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
The vetoed House Bill 1030, initially intended to extend the Board's operations until 2028, spurred bipartisan action within the state's chambers. "Legislators in both chambers united to protect the careers of 77,000 people and stand for the health of four million Oklahomans," Hill stated. Kendrix's proposed legislation was meant to seamlessly allow transition discussions but was halted by the governor's veto on May 14, who suggested the board "should be restructured or consolidated" instead, as reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 676, introduced by Hill and signed into law, took effect immediately to maintain the Board’s regulatory functions during a transition period. The bill addresses concerns about potential disruptions for license holders and state health standards. Rep. Kendrix said, “Eliminating the Board doesn’t erase its responsibilities. The laws and administrative rules tied to its functions remain in place, and ignoring that would likely create serious consequences.” Lawmakers said the bill received strong support, stating, “Widespread support across the state reinforced the importance of extending the Board’s sunset as a sound and necessary decision,” as mentioned by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
