The 2025 Legislative Updates Below will be

Effective on July 1, 2025

HB 1667/SB 1228



This legislation amended § 40.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, relating to employment prohibition on children 16 years of age or older in the fields of barbering and cosmetology.  Children 16 years of age or older a now permitted to serve in a licensed barbershop or cosmetology salon, provided that (i) the child is an apprentice, (ii) the child is employed in a work-training program as provided by relevant law and in accordance with relevant regulations, or (iii) the child has obtained a cosmetology or barber license from the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.



HB 2669



This legislation amends the definitions of cosmetologist and cosmetology found in § 54.1-700 of the Code of Virginia to clarify that cosmetic treatments are not included in such definitions. The scope of practice for a cosmetology now includes: hair removal treatments; basic cleansing facial treatments to enhance or improve the appearance and care of the skin, which only includes a cleanse, tone, and application of a mask or moisturizer; manicuring or pedicuring the nails of any person; arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cutting, shaping, singeing, waxing, tweezing, trimming, bleaching, coloring, relaxing, straightening, or similar work, upon human hair, or a wig or hairpiece, by any means, including hands or mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, but shall not include hair braiding upon human hair, or a wig or hairpiece, or such acts as adjusting, combing, or brushing prestyled wigs or hairpieces when such acts do not alter the prestyled nature of the wig or hairpiece.

HB 2680 / SB 1419

Provides for the licensure of ear-piercing salons, ear-piercing schools, and ear-piercers by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. The legislation distinguishes ear-piercing salons from body-piercing salons by definition and requires the Board to adopt regulations establishing the requirements for licensure of ear-piercing salons, ear-piercing schools, and ear-piercers. Additionally, the bill requires the Board to develop specific training and apprenticeship programs for ear-piercers and permits localities to regulate the sanitary conditions of ear-piercing salons.

SB 826



Regulatory boards are no longer permitted to deny licenses, certifications, or registrations based on vague or arbitrary terms like "good moral character" or "moral turpitude." If an applicant is denied due to their criminal record, the board must provide written notice specifying the offenses, their relevance to the profession, and how rehabilitation was considered. Individuals with a criminal record can request a binding predetermination from the regulatory board to determine if their record disqualifies them from licensure in the particular occupation, trade, or profession identified in their request. An individual may submit a request for predetermination to the regulatory board at any time, including before starting or completing any training or examination requirements. Individuals will still be required to meet all current requirements at the time of application for licensure and pay the required fees if the regulatory board makes a predetermination that the individual's criminal record does not disqualify them from obtaining licensure.

HB 1940/SB 1188



This legislation requires the regulatory boards within the Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation to create regulations that establish a pathway to licensure or certification for individuals with equivalent qualifications from other countries. The regulations must include proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work visa status along with proof that the applicant has submitted a petition for permanent residency status; provide for partial or full credit for prior education and training; allow the use of professional credential verification services; and require satisfactory documentation of qualifications before issuing a license or certification. Additionally, applicants licensed through this pathway must meet the same examination requirements as other first-time applicants in the profession.

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