Bill would study cosmetology CTE in Coos County and allow community‑college CTE sites

Senate Bill 531, sponsored by Senator David Waters, directs creation of a task force to study the feasibility of cosmetology‑related career and technical education (CTE) programming in Coos County and would give the commissioner of education explicit authority to designate community college campuses as locations for individual CTE programs.

Waters told the committee the change follows a recent reduction in required cosmetology hours (from 1,500 to 1,200) that now makes a two‑year high‑school CTE program sufficient to meet licensure requirements. He said northern New Hampshire lacks a full cosmetology program and that collocating CTE with White Mountains Community College or other community college sites could expand access, share instructors and facilities, and attract industry support.

Shannon Reid, director of government affairs and communications for the Community College System of New Hampshire, testified in support. She cited labor‑market data showing local demand and livable wages for cosmetology‑related occupations, and said a collaborative model (CTE during the day and evening/weekend offerings for adults) could be sustainable. Reid listed task force questions: qualified staff availability, start‑up and ongoing funding, facility space and licensing, and housing for adult learners if needed.

Committee members asked why Berlin was named in the draft and whether the second section’s explicit statutory language was necessary; Waters and department staff said Berlin was a strong candidate because it already has a one‑year program and proximity to White Mountains Community College, and that the second section clarifies rather than strictly expands existing authority. Department staff said the community college system already receives Perkins funds and that coordination is ongoing.

The committee closed the SB531 hearing after testimony and did not take a vote. Proponents asked the committee to consider how Perkins and capital programs might be deployed to build shared facilities or public‑facing student salons that serve training and community needs.