Sunset review of Barber & Cosmetology Act clears committee after contentious debate over exemptions and public‑safety standards

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee advanced the Sunset review for the Barber and Cosmetology Practice Act after prolonged testimony and several committee amendments.

Sponsors said the bill extends the act (sunset review) and implements recommendations from the state sunset report: repeal of a rarely used advisory committee, updated definitions and some targeted exemptions for specific services and providers. DORA (the Division of Professions and Occupations) supported the sunset recommendations as a mix of consumer protection and regulatory streamlining.

Opponents — including salon owners, instructors and licensed practitioners — urged the committee to retain licensing for services that pose public‑safety risks. Panelists warned against exempting shampooing, haircutting, thermal (hot‑iron) styling, permanent makeup/microblading and other face procedures, citing burn risk, infection control and the need for consistent statewide training and oversight. "Irons can get up to 450 degrees and can cause severe burns," testified a licensed stylist and salon owner, who urged retention of licensing for thermal tools.

Reform advocates, including the Institute for Justice, argued that narrow exemptions for blow‑dry styling and freelance makeup would reduce debt and barriers to entry for low‑income Coloradans and align Colorado with other states that do not require full cosmetology training for those narrow services.

Committee amendments narrowed some exemption language and shortened the sunset extension period from the bill’s original 11 years to 7 years to allow earlier reconsideration. After debate, the committee voted to send the revised bill to Appropriations by a vote of 10–1 (with two excused).

Next steps: The sponsors said they will continue stakeholder discussions and bring additional amendments on the floor as needed; the bill will go to Appropriations for fiscal review.