Department of State details cosmetology inspections, says it will help implement compact and consider booth-rental changes

Deputy Secretary Kalenji Johnson told the House Professional Licensure Committee that the Department of State's Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (BEI) performs both initial and routine inspections of cosmetology facilities and is preparing to implement the interstate cosmetology compact.

"BEI inspectors conduct both inspections of facilities applying for initial licensure and routine inspections of already licensed facilities," Johnson said, noting routine inspections are biannual and unannounced. He said inspectors check licensing, health and safety standards, and that inspections are "a snapshot in time." Johnson added the department was preparing the PAL system and staff workflows to be ready to honor the compact on day one.

Richard Morissette, introduced to the committee as BEI's director, described BEI's training regimen for inspectors and the agency's approach to citations. He said inspectors take reports back to legal staff and that decisions on whether to issue citations are made by prosecution or the professional compliance office. "We are always open to working with this general assembly on legislation that will eliminate unnecessary burdens for licensees while still protecting the health and safety of the public," Johnson said.

Committee members asked about the department's timeline for compact readiness and the effect of possible statutory effective dates. Johnson said the department is working with vendors and preparing internal systems but could not promise a specific timeline until the legislation's effective date is known. He also told lawmakers the bureau would work with the sponsor's office to explore options for allowing booth rental under the cosmetology law and could look to the barber-law framework for a model.

The department's presentation emphasized enforcement as process-driven: floor plans and square-footage are reviewed for new salons; inspectors verify equipment, signage and permitted services; and inspectors do not issue citations on the spot but submit reports for legal review. Johnson said last year BEI completed "over 37,000 investigations and facility inspections among all the 29 boards and commissions under the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs."