sb145.html

06 SB145/AP

Senate Bill 145

By: Senators Grant of the 25th, Butler of the 55th and Staton of the 18th
AS PASSED

AN ACT

To amend Chapter 10 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cosmetologists, so as to define certain terms; to change certain provisions relating to the Board of Cosmetology; to provide for a certificate of registration for hair designers; to provide for qualifications; to provide for application and fees; to change certain provisions relating to examination fees for application for certificate of registration; to provide for reciprocity; to provide for teaching requirements; to provide that shampoo assistants shall be authorized to comb and brush hair; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Chapter 10 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cosmetologists, is amended by striking in its entirety Code Section 43-10-1, relating to definitions, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"43-10-1.

As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) 'Beautician' means 'cosmetologist' as such term is defined in this Code section.

(2) 'Beauty shop' or 'beauty salon' means any premises where one or more persons engage in the occupation of cosmetology.

(3) 'Board' means the State Board of Cosmetology.

(4) 'Cosmetologist' means any person who performs any one or more of the following services for compensation:

(A) Cuts or dresses the hair;

(B) Gives facial or scalp massage or facial and scalp treatment with oils or creams and other preparations made for this purpose, either by hand or mechanical appliance;

(D) Performs nail care, pedicure, or manicuring services as defined in paragraph(9) of this Code section; or

(E) Performs the services of an esthetician as defined in paragraph (5) of this Code section.

Such person shall be considered as practicing the occupation of a cosmetologist within the meaning of this Code section; provided, however, that such term shall not mean a person who only braids the hair by hairweaving; interlocking;twisting; plaiting; wrapping by hand, chemical, or mechanical devices; or using any natural or synthetic fiber for extensions to the hair, and no such person shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter. Such term shall not apply to a person whose activities are limited to the application of cosmetics which are marketed to individuals and are readily commercially available to consumers.

(5) 'Esthetician' or 'esthetics operator' means a person who, for compensation, engages in any one or a combination of the following practices, esthetics, or cosmetic skin care:

(A) Massaging the face or neck of a person;

(B) Trimming eyebrows;

(D) Waxing, stimulating, cleansing, or beautifying the face, neck, arms, or legs of a person by any method with the aid of the hands or any mechanical or electrical apparatus or by the use of a cosmetic preparation.

Such practices of esthetics shall not include the diagnosis, treatment, or therapy of any dermatological condition. Such term shall not apply to a person whose activities are limited to the application of cosmetics which are marketed to individuals and are readily commercially available to consumers.

(6) Reserved.

(7) 'Hair designer' means any person who performs any one or more of the following services for compensation:

(A) Cuts or dresses the hair; or

(B) Singes and shampoos the hair or dyes the hair.

(8) 'Master cosmetologist' means a cosmetologist who is possessed of the requisite skill and knowledge to perform properly all the services mentioned in paragraph (4) of this Code section for compensation.

(9) 'Nail technician' means a person who, for compensation, trims, files, shapes, decorates, applies sculptured or otherwise artificial nails, or in any way cares for the nails of another person.

(10) 'School of cosmetology' means any establishment that receives compensation for training more than one person in the occupation of cosmetology as defined in paragraph (4) of this Code section. Technical colleges whose programs have been approved by the Department of Technical and Adult Education or the Department of Education are not 'schools of cosmetology' within the meaning of this chapter; provided, however, that all such colleges and their programs shall be considered to be 'board approved.'

(11) 'School of esthetics' means any establishment that receives compensation for training more than one person in the occupation of esthetics as defined in paragraph (5) of this Code section. Technical colleges whose programs have been approved by the Department of Technical and Adult Education or the Department of Education are not 'schools of esthetics' within the meaning of this chapter; provided, however, that all such colleges and their programs shall be considered to be 'board approved.'

(12) Reserved.

(13) 'School of hair design' means any establishment that receives compensation for training more than one person in the occupation of hair design as defined in paragraph (7) of this Code section. Technical colleges whose programs have been approved by the Department of Technical and Adult Education or the Department of Education are not schools of hair design within the meaning of this chapter; provided, however, that all such colleges and their programs shall be considered to be 'board approved.'

(14) 'School of nail care' means any establishment that receives compensation for training more than one person in the occupation of nail care or manicuring as defined in paragraph (9) of this Code section. Technical colleges whose programs have been approved by the Department of Technical and Adult Education or the Department of Education are not 'schools of nail care' within the meaning of this chapter; provided, however, that all such colleges and their programs shall be considered to be 'board approved.'"

SECTION 2.

Said chapter is further amended by striking subsection (c) of Code Section 43-10-2, relating to creation of the Board of Cosmetology, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"(c) The board shall meet as necessary each year for the purpose of adopting rules and regulations and handling other matters pertaining to duties of the board. Board members may attend and observe all written and practical examinations held for certificates of registration pursuant to this chapter."

SECTION 3.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety subsection (a) of Code Section 43-10-6, relating to rules and regulations as to sanitary requirements, inspections, and unsanitary condition as a nuisance, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"(a) The board is authorized to adopt reasonable rules and regulations prescribing the sanitary requirements of beauty shops, beauty salons, schools of cosmetology, schools of esthetics, schools of hair design, and schools of nail care, subject to the approval of the Department of Human Resources, to cause the rules and regulations or any subsequent revisions to be in suitable form, and to transmit a copy thereof to the proprietor of each beauty shop, beauty salon, school of cosmetology, school of esthetics, school of hair design, or school of nail care. It shall be the duty of every proprietor or person operating a beauty shop, salon, school of cosmetology, school of esthetics, school of hair design, and school of nail care in this state to keep a copy of such rules and regulations posted in a conspicuous place in his or her business, so as to be easily read by his or her customers."

SECTION 4.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety Code Section 43-10-8, relating to a requirement for a certificate of registration, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"43-10-8.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to pursue the occupation of cosmetology in this state unless he or she has first completed the required hours for and obtained the appropriate certificate of registration as provided in this chapter.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to hold himself or herself out as a master cosmetologist or hair designer without having first obtained the certificate of registration for such. Such person shall be authorized to perform all the services mentioned in paragraph (4) of Code Section 43-10-1. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person who holds a valid master cosmetologist license in this state on March 29, 1983, from practicing at the master cosmetologist level as defined in paragraph (4) of Code Section 43-10-1.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person desiring to perform solely hair design services shall be allowed to obtain a certificate of registration at the hair design level upon completing the required hours therefor, which certifies that the holder thereof shall be authorized to perform some or all of the services mentioned in paragraph (7) of Code Section 43-10-1.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person desiring to perform solely cosmetic skin care services shall be allowed to obtain a certificate of registration at the esthetician level upon completing the required hours therefor, which certifies that the holder thereof shall be authorized to perform some or all of the services mentioned in paragraph (5) of Code Section 43-10-1.

(f)(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person desiring to perform solely cosmetic nail care services shall be allowed to obtain a certificate of registration at the nail technician level upon completing the required hours therefor, which certifies that the holder thereof shall be authorized to perform some or all of the services mentioned in paragraph (6) of Code Section 43-10-1.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who has actively engaged in the practice of cosmetology, hair design, esthetics, or nail care on a military installation in Georgia for three years prior to July 1, 1985, shall be eligible to receive a certificate of registration at the cosmetology, hair design, esthetics, or nail care level upon proper proof of experience, application, and appropriate fee being submitted to the board on or before September 1, 1985.

(g) It shall also be unlawful for any person or persons to operate a beauty shop, beauty salon, hair design salon, school of cosmetology, school of hair design, school of esthetics, or school of nail care without first having obtained a certificate of registration for such shop, salon, or school as provided in this chapter. Any beauty shop, salon, or school shall register with the division director of the professional licensing boards prior to opening.

(h) This chapter shall have uniform application throughout the state so that no cosmetologist, hair designer, beauty shop, school of cosmetology, school of hair design, school of esthetics, or school of nail care shall be exempt from regulation."

SECTION 5.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety Code Section 43-10-9, relating to applications for certificates of registration, examination, and reciprocity, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"43-10-9.

(a) Any person desiring to obtain a certificate of registration to enable him or her to engage in the occupation of cosmetology shall make application through the division director to the board and shall present proof that he or she has obtained a high school diploma, a general educational development (GED) diploma, or a postsecondary education or college degree. If, after review of the application, it is determined that the applicant is at least 17 years of age; has met the minimum educational requirements; is of good moral character; has completed a 1,500 credit hour study course with at least nine months at a board approved school or has served as an apprentice in a beauty shop or beauty salon for a period of at least 3,000 credit hours; has practiced or studied the occupation of cosmetology; is possessed of the requisite skill in such occupation to perform properly all the duties of the occupation, including his or her ability in the preparation of tools, in performing the services mentioned in paragraph (4) of Code Section 43-10-1, and in all the duties and services incident thereto; and has passed both a written and a practical examination approved by the board, a certificate of registration shall be issued to him or her entitling him or her to practice the occupation of master cosmetologist. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, the board shall be authorized to waive any education requirements under this subsection in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate with respect to any applicant who was enrolled in a board approved school or had completed a board approved study course as of June 30, 2000.

(b) Should an applicant under this Code section fail to pass the written or the practical examination, the board shall furnish the applicant a statement in writing, stating wherein the applicant was deficient. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent applicants from making subsequent applications to qualify under this Code section, provided they again pay the required examination fee.

(c) An approved applicant for examination under this Code section may be issued a work permit authorizing said applicant to practice such occupation until the release of the results of the written and the practical examination for which the applicant is scheduled. If the applicant fails to appear for the examination or fails any portion of the examination, the work permit shall be revoked unless the applicant provides just cause to the board as to why the applicant was unable to appear for the examination.

(d) Should an applicant have a current cosmetology license in force from another state or country, or territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, where similar reciprocity is extended to this state and licensure requirements are substantially equal to those in this state, and have paid a fee and have submitted an application, the applicant may be issued, without examination, a certificate of registration at the appropriate level, entitling the applicant to practice the occupation of cosmetology or the teaching of cosmetology at that level, unless the board, in its discretion, sees fit to require a written or a practical examination subject to the terms and provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, the board shall be authorized to waive any education or experience requirements applicable to any person who holds a current license or certificate to practice cosmetology outside of this state and who desires to obtain a license or certificate at a level authorized under this Code section to practice at such level in this state in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate.

(e) Reserved.

(f)(1) Any person desiring to obtain a certificate of registration to enable him or her to engage in the occupation of hair design shall make application through the division director and shall present proof that he or she has obtained a high school diploma, a general educational development (GED) diploma, or a postsecondary education or college degree. If, after review of the application, it is determined that the applicant is at least 17 years of age; has met the minimum educational requirements; is of good moral character; has completed a 1,325 credit hour study course with at least seven months at a board approved school or has served as an apprentice in a beauty shop, beauty salon, or hair design salon for a period of at least 2,650 credit hours; has practiced or studied the occupation of hair design; is possessed of the requisite skill in such occupation to perform properly all the duties of the occupation, including his or her ability in the preparation of tools, in performing the services mentioned in paragraph (7) of Code Section 43-10-1, and in all the duties and services incident thereto; and has passed both a written and a practical examination approved by the board, a certificate of registration shall be issued to him or her entitling him or her to practice the occupation of hair design. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, the board shall be authorized to waive any education requirements under this subsection in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate with respect to any applicant who was enrolled in a board approved school or had completed a board approved study course as of June 30, 2006.

(2) Should an applicant under this subsection fail to pass the written or the practical examination, the board shall furnish the applicant a statement in writing, stating in what manner the applicant was deficient. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent applicants from making subsequent applications to qualify under this subsection, provided they again pay the required examination fee.

(3) An approved applicant for examination under this subsection may be issued a work permit authorizing said applicant to practice such occupation until the release of the results of the written and the practical examination for which the applicant is scheduled. If the applicant fails to appear for the examination or fails any portion of the examination, the work permit shall be revoked unless the applicant provides just cause to the board as to why the applicant was unable to appear for the examination.

(4) Should an applicant have a current hair design license in force from another state, country, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, where similar reciprocity is extended to this state and licensure requirements are substantially equal to those in this state, and have paid a fee and have submitted an application, the applicant may be issued, without examination, a certificate of registration at the appropriate level entitling him or her to practice the occupation of hair design or the teaching of hair design at that level, unless the board, in its discretion, sees fit to require a written or a practical examination subject to the terms and provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, the board shall be authorized to waive any education or experience requirements applicable to any person who holds a current license or certificate to practice hair design outside of this state and who desires to obtain a license or certificate at a level authorized under this subsection to practice at such level in this state in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate.

(g)(1) Any person desiring to obtain a certificate of registration at the esthetician level under the terms of this chapter shall make application through the division director to the board and shall present proof that he or she has obtained a high school diploma, a general educational development (GED) diploma, or a postsecondary education or college degree. If, after review of the application, it is determined that the applicant is at least 17 years of age; has met the minimum educational requirements; is of good moral character; has completed a 1,000 credit hour study course of at least nine months at a board approved school or has served as an apprentice in a beauty shop or beauty salon for a period of at least 2,000 credit hours; has practiced or studied cosmetic skin care as defined in paragraph (5) of Code Section 43-10-1; is possessed of the requisite skill to perform properly these services; and has passed a written and a practical examination approved by the board, a certificate of registration shall be issued to the applicant entitling the applicant to practice the occupation of cosmetology at the esthetician level. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, the board shall be authorized to waive any education requirements under this subsection in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate with respect to any applicant who was enrolled in a board approved school or had completed a board approved study course as of June 30, 2000.

(2) Should an applicant have a current esthetician license in force from another state, country, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, where similar reciprocity is extended to this state and licensure requirements are substantially equal to those in this state, and have paid a fee and have submitted an application, the applicant may be issued, without examination, a certificate of registration at the appropriate level entitling him or her to practice the occupation of esthetician or the teaching of esthetics at that level, unless the board, in its discretion, sees fit to require a written or a practical examination subject to the terms and provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, the board shall be authorized to waive any education or experience requirements applicable to any person who holds a current license or certificate to practice esthetics outside of this state and who desires to obtain a license or certificate at a level authorized under this subsection to practice at such level in this state in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate.

(h)(1) Any person desiring to obtain a certificate of registration at the nail technician level under the terms of this chapter shall make application through the division director to the board and shall present proof that he or she has obtained a high school diploma, a general educational development (GED) diploma, or a postsecondary education or college degree. If, after review of the application, it is determined that the applicant is at least 17 years of age; has met the minimum educational requirements; is of good moral character; has completed a 525 credit hour study course of at least four months at a board approved school or has served as an apprentice in a beauty shop or beauty salon for a period of at least 1,050 credit hours; has practiced or studied nail care; is possessed of the requisite skill to perform properly these services; and has passed both a written and a practical examination approved by the board, a certificate of registration shall be issued to the applicant entitling the applicant to practice the occupation of cosmetology at the nail technician level. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, the board shall be authorized to waive any education requirements under this subsection in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate with respect to any applicant who was enrolled in a board approved school or had completed a board approved study course as of June 30, 2000.

(2) Should an applicant have a current nail technician license in force from another state, country, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, where similar reciprocity is extended to this state and licensure requirements are substantially equal to those in this state, and have paid a fee and have submitted an application, the applicant may be issued, without examination, a certificate of registration at the appropriate level entitling him or her to practice the occupation of nail technician or the teaching of nail care at that level, unless the board, in its discretion, sees fit to require a written or a practical examination subject to the terms and provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, the board shall be authorized to waive any education or experience requirements applicable to any person who holds a current license or certificate to practice nail care outside of this state and who desires to obtain a license or certificate at a level authorized under this subsection to practice at such level in this state in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate.

(i) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed as preventing a person from obtaining a certificate of registration for the occupation of cosmetology at the master level, the hair design level, the esthetician level, or the nail technician level if such person obtains his or her credit hour study at a State Board of Education approved school or a technical college under the jurisdiction of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or the Department of Education rather than at a board approved school.

(j) A person licensed to practice barbering under Chapter 7 of this title shall be eligible to take the master cosmetologist examination provided for in this Code section if that person completes a board approved 250 hour prescribed course in an approved cosmetology school, submits a completed application, and pays the proper fees established by the board.

(k) Board members may attend and observe all written and practical examinations held for certificates of registration pursuant to this Code section."

SECTION 6.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety subsection (g) of Code Section 43-10-10, relating to display of certificate of registration, renewal, reinstatement, continuing education requirements, and exemptions, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"(g) Courses in cosmetology, hair design, nail technology, esthetics, computers, business, or health and safety issues offered by schools under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the Department of Technical and Adult Education, the Department of Education, or any accredited postsecondary institution shall satisfy the continuing education requirement without a request to the board for approval or registration."

SECTION 7.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety Code Section 43-10-11, relating to registration of shops, salons, and schools, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"43-10-11.

All beauty shops, salons, schools of cosmetology, schools of hair design, schools of esthetics, and schools of nail care shall be registered with the division director by the owner or manager. Such registration shall be made by the filing of an application on forms furnished by the division director; shall include the name and location of the beauty shop, salon, or school, the name and address of the owner, and the names and addresses of all instructors of the shop, salon, or school at the time of registration; and shall be accompanied by a registration fee in such amount as shall be set by the board by regulation. The board is authorized and directed to issue a certificate of registration to each shop, salon, or school so registering and paying such fee, which certificate shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the registered shop, salon, or school."

SECTION 8.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety subsection (e) of Code Section 43-10-12, relating to regulation and permits for schools and teachers and instructors, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"(e)(1) All teachers or instructors shall devote their entire time to instruction of students. Any person desiring to teach or instruct in any school of cosmetology, school of esthetics, or school of nail care shall first file his or her application with the division director for a license, shall pay a fee in such amount as shall be set by the board by regulation, and shall successfully pass both a written and a practical examination to become an instructor.

(2)(A) A person desiring to teach at the master level shall satisfy the board that he or she:

(i) Holds a current cosmetology license at the master level and is a high school graduate, has a general educational development (GED) diploma, or has a postsecondary education or college degree;

(ii) Has 750 hours of instructor training in cosmetology at a board approved school; and

(iii) Has one year of work experience at the master level.

(B) A person holding a current cosmetology license at the master level who is a high school graduate, has a general educational development (GED) diploma, or has a postsecondary education or college degree; who has completed the required board approved hours of continuing education; and has board approved work experience as an instructor or in education may, at the board́s discretion, be permitted to take the written and the practical examination to become an instructor at the master level.

(3)(A) A person desiring to teach at the esthetician level shall satisfy the board that he or she:

(i) Holds a current cosmetology license at the esthetician or master level and is a high school graduate, has a general educational development (GED) diploma, or has a postsecondary education or college degree;

(ii) Has 500 hours of board approved instructor training in esthetics of at least nine months;

(iii) Has one year of work experience at the esthetician or master level; and

(iv) Has passed both a written and a practical examination to become an instructor in esthetics.

(B) A person holding a current cosmetology license at the esthetician or master level who is a high school graduate, has a general educational development (GED) diploma, or has a postsecondary education or college degree; who has completed the required board approved hours of continuing education; and has board approved work experience as an instructor or in education may, at the board́s discretion, be permitted to take the written and the practical examination to become an instructor at the esthetician level.

(4)(A) A person desiring to teach at the nail technician level shall satisfy the board that he or she:

(i) Holds a current cosmetology license at the nail technician or master level and is a high school graduate, has a general educational development (GED) diploma, or has a postsecondary education or college degree;

(ii) Has 250 hours of board approved instructor training in nail care of at least four months;

(iii) Has one year of work experience at the nail technician or master level; and

(iv) Has passed both a written and a practical examination to become an instructor in nail care.

(B) A person holding a current cosmetology license at the nail technician or master level who is a high school graduate, has a general educational development (GED) diploma, or has a postsecondary education or college degree; who has completed the required board approved hours of continuing education; and has board approved work experience as an instructor or in education may, at the board́s discretion, be permitted to take the written and the practical examination to become an instructor at the nail technician level.

(5) Reserved.

(6)(A) A person desiring to teach at the hair designer level shall satisfy the board that he or she:

(i) Holds a current cosmetology license at the hair designer or master level and is a high school graduate, has a general educational development (GED) diploma, or has a postsecondary education or college degree;

(ii) Has 750 hours of board approved instructor training in hair design of at least four months;

(iii) Has one year of work experience at the hair designer or master level; and

(iv) Has passed both a written and a practical examination to become an instructor in hair design.

(B) A person holding a current cosmetology license at the hair designer or master level who is a high school graduate, has a general educational development (GED) diploma, or has a postsecondary education or college degree; who has completed the required board approved hours of continuing education; and has board approved work experience as an instructor or in education may, at the board́s discretion, be permitted to take the written and the practical examinations to become an instructor at the hair designer level.

(7) Any teacher or instructor shall renew his or her license to teach cosmetology biennially in odd years by remitting with his or her application a renewal fee in such amount as shall be set by the board by regulation; provided, however, any teacher or instructor who fails to renew his or her certificate of registration to practice as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician on or before the date established by the board by regulation shall automatically have his or her license to teach or instruct suspended. A person failing to renew his or her instructoŕs license within two years after expiration shall be required to pay a reinstatement fee after board review.

(8) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed as preventing a person from obtaining a certificate of registration as teacher or instructor who is certified by the Department of Education to teach cosmetology in the state public schools. The certification is limited to those persons who hold a current cosmetology license at the master level and also hold a diploma or certificate of 1,500 credit hours from a board approved school and have completed the three-year teachers training program required by the Department of Education. Such persons shall also pass both a written and a practical examination satisfactory to the board and, upon passage thereof, shall receive a license to teach cosmetology."

SECTION 9.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety subsection (a) of Code Section 43-10-13, relating to the right to set course of study for students and application for examination, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"(a) The board shall have the right to set a course of study for all students of the schools of cosmetology, schools of hair design, schools of esthetics, and schools of nail care within this state."

SECTION 10.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety subsection (a) of Code Section 43-10-14, relating to study by persons 17 years of age and older, registration of students and apprentices, and registration certificate, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"(a) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person at least 17 years of age from learning the occupation of cosmetology under a master cosmetologist, provided that such cosmetologist has had at least 36 monthś experience and has held a certificate of a master cosmetologist for at least 36 months. In addition, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person at least 17 years of age from learning the occupation of cosmetology under an instructor in a school of cosmetology who has been a cosmetologist for a period of at least one year and has registered under this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person at least 17 years of age from learning the occupation of hair designer under a cosmetologist holding a master cosmetologist certificate or a hair design certificate, provided that such cosmetologist has had at least 36 monthś experience, or under an instructor in a school of cosmetology or school of hair design who has held a certificate as a cosmetologist for a period of at least one year, is qualified to teach said practices, and has registered under this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person at least 17 years of age from learning the occupation of esthetics under a cosmetologist holding a master cosmetologist certificate or an esthetician certificate, provided that such cosmetologist has had at least 36 monthś experience, or under an instructor in a school of cosmetology or school of esthetics who has held a certificate as a cosmetologist for a period of at least one year, is qualified to teach said practices, and has registered under this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person at least 17 years of age from learning the occupation of nail care or manicuring under a cosmetologist holding a master cosmetologist certificate or a nail technician certificate, provided that such cosmetologist has had at least 36 monthś experience, or under an instructor in a school of cosmetology or school of nail care who has been a licensed cosmetologist for a period of at least one year, is qualified to teach said practices, and has registered under this chapter. Any person registered as an apprentice under this Code section on June 30, 1997, shall be eligible to continue such apprenticeship under the person from whom that apprentice was learning the occupation of cosmetology, hair design, esthetics, or nail care or manicuring at the time of registration notwithstanding that the person under whom the apprentice was learning such occupation does not meet the 36 monthś experience otherwise required by this Code section. Every shop owner shall have the responsibility for registering apprentices with the division director. The shop owner shall file a statement in writing, showing the apprenticés name and the address of the shop. The board shall have the authority to require the shop owner to furnish to the board the number of hours completed by the apprentice. The shop owner shall remit to the division director a fee in such amount as shall be set by the board by regulation for the registration of the apprentice. The apprentice shall receive a certificate of registration showing the capacity in which he or she is permitted to practice cosmetology. The certificate of registration shall be effective for a period of two years and may be renewed at the end of such period upon the filing of an application on forms furnished by the division director and the payment of a renewal fee in such amount as shall be set by the board by regulation. A certificate of registration authorizing a person to learn the occupation of cosmetology under a cosmetologist shall not be renewed more than one time; and, upon the expiration of the last certificate of registration issued, such person shall not be permitted to practice in any capacity."

SECTION 11.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety Code Section 43-10-17, relating to employment of persons to wash and shampoo hair in beauty shops or salons, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"43-10-17.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a beauty shop or salon shall be authorized to employ persons to wash, shampoo, comb, and brush hair, and such persons shall not be required to be registered by the board."

SECTION 12.

Said chapter is further amended by striking in its entirety subsection (a) of Code Section 43-10-19, relating to a penalty, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"(a) If any person not lawfully entitled to a certificate of registration under this chapter shall practice the occupation of a cosmetologist; or if any such person shall endeavor to learn the trade of a cosmetologist by practicing the same under the instructions of a cosmetologist or other person, other than as provided in this chapter; or if any such person shall instruct or attempt to instruct any person in such trade; or if any proprietor of or person in control of or operating any beauty shop, school of cosmetology, school of hair design, school of esthetics, or school of nail care shall knowingly employ for the purpose of practicing such occupation any cosmetologist not registered under this chapter; or if any person, beauty shop, salon, or school shall engage in any of the acts covered in this chapter though not registered under the provisions of this chapter; or if any person shall falsely or fraudulently pretend to be qualified under this chapter to practice or learn such trade or occupation; or if any person shall violate any provision of the chapter for which a penalty is not specifically provided, he or she shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

SECTION 13.

This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval.

SECTION 14.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.