Arizona-based beauty professionals are expressing strong opposition to a bill proposed in Arizona state legislature, House Bill 2031. This bill seeks to dissolve the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board.
This bill poses a significant risk to public health, consumer protection and Arizona’s economy by dismantling a system that ensures safety and regulatory oversight in the beauty industry.
The Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board plays a crucial role in regulating the state's billion-dollar salon and spa industry. It is a self-sustaining entity, funded entirely by licensing fees, examination fees and penalties, without requiring taxpayer dollars. In fiscal year 2024, the Board contributed $12.1 million to Arizona’s General Fund, further reinforcing its economic value. By enforcing sanitation regulations, the Board helps prevent infections and disease transmission, ensuring that professionals are trained to use chemicals, sharp tools and specialized procedures safely.
Please recognize Arizona’s participation in the Interstate Compact on Cosmetology, which allows licensed professionals to transfer credentials across states, fostering job opportunities and economic mobility. Eliminating the Board would jeopardize the state’s compliance with the compact, leading to licensing uncertainty and employment barriers for Arizona’s beauty professionals. This disruption would negatively impact small business owners and workers who rely on a streamlined and standardized licensing process to continue their careers in the state. Arizona is a leader in the Compact, having joined last year and currently participating in the Compact Commission process.
The beauty industry in Arizona is flourishing, with strong job growth and significant contributions to the state’s economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in barbering, hairstyling and cosmetology over the next few years, a rate faster than the average for all occupations.
Additionally, the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area ranks among the top in the nation for employment in beauty professions.
HB 2031 attempts to fix what is not broken. The Board is effective, self-funded and provides a structured system that protects consumers and small business owners alike. There is no justifiable reason to dismantle a system that has proven successful and beneficial to Arizona’s economy.
Arizona’s beauty professionals are proud to contribute to Arizona’s economy and provide essential services to their communities. Employing thousands, contributing to the economy and continuing to grow, beauty businesses deserve support. HB 2031 is an unnecessary and harmful bill that disrupts a thriving growing industry, weakens consumer protection and threatens small businesses.
You are urged to oppose HB 2031. Please support your beauty professionals, small business owners and consumers across Arizona. If you are an Arizona-based beauty professional, you can take action by through the Professional Beauty Association's campaign.
