The Pennsylvania House has passed a bill introduced by Representative Zach Mako to tackle the shortage of barber instructors in the state. The legislation aims to make it easier for individuals to become licensed barber-teachers, thereby addressing a critical gap in the workforce.
“I’m pleased to see this bill advance from the House,” said Mako. “It’s past time we address the issue of a lack of barber-teachers before it’s too late. For four legislative sessions, I have sponsored legislation on this topic. This version addresses some concerns raised by the State Board of Barber Examiners. I’m hopeful everyone is on board now. Without barber-teachers, there are no barbers. I urge the Senate to take action so that finding a barber in the future doesn’t become next to impossible.”
Key changes proposed in the bill include lowering the minimum age for taking the barber-teacher examination from 23 to 18 years and reducing required training hours from 1,250 to 500 hours. It also allows individuals with both cosmetology and barber licenses to acquire a barber-teacher license after completing necessary training and examinations for either profession.
Additionally, those who hold a barber-teacher license from another state with similar licensing requirements may be granted a Pennsylvania license upon examination.
The legislation now moves forward to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Mako serves Pennsylvania’s 183rd House District, which includes parts of Lehigh County and Northampton County.
