Legislature(2001 - 2002)
02/12/2001 09:07 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE BILL NO. 53
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Barbers
and Hairdressers."
HEATHER BRAKES, staff to Senator Gene Therriault, indicated that SB
53 extends the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers an additional four
years from June 30, 2001 to June 30, 2005. She referred to the
legislative audit and explained that the audit found that the board
should be reestablished and that it is a benefit to the public's
health, safety and welfare. She pointed out that the board
benefits the public by establishing minimum educational experience
requirements, but provide reasonable assurance that the person's
licensed are qualified. She noted that the Division of Legislative
Audit recommended that the board be extended to June 30, 2005.
Senator Green asked that the Committee to hold the bill until
tomorrow.
Co-Chair Donley addressed the auditors and wondered if there was
any inquiry into the concept of self-testing on behalf of the
educators of barbers and hairdressers. He indicated that it was an
issue that came up several years ago as a way to improve the
efficiency and to make sure that the testing was offered on a more
convenient basis for persons wishing to enter into these
professions.
PAT DAVIDSON, Legislative Auditor, Legislative Audit Division,
indicated that they looked at how often the tests were being
offered and statute calls for twice a year. She noted that the
testing was being done four to six times in Anchorage and three
times in Juneau and Fairbanks. She said that there seemed to be an
adequate dispersion and because of that they did not delve into
that area any further.
Co-Chair Donley commented that he had constituents contact him
saying that in other states they do it more efficiently with the
schools themselves doing the testing and the certification; that
way if someone misses one portion of the test they do not have to
wait three months until the next opportunity. He said that he is
interested in making the process more efficient.
Mrs. Davidson reiterated that when it was looked at there seemed to
be a sufficient minimum number of tests being offered; therefore,
they did not look into expanding it any further. She offered that
the school that educated the student to be the sole determinate of
whether or not they are qualified there might be a conflict of
interest there. She noted that there is always some discussion of
how a board member who runs a school should be evaluating their
students.
Co-Chair Kelly indicated that there were some questions that
Senator Green had.
Senator Green indicated that they were questions having to do with
standards for nail and skincare.
Co-Chair Kelly said that in that case he would like to move the
bill, because those are issues beyond the scope of an extension
bill.
Co-Chair Donley mentioned that is part of the sunset review. First
of all, he indicated that it is something that is still a need or
value to the state. He noted that even though sometimes they make
light of this particular board it is very important that these
people be qualified and skilled in their jobs. He pointed out that
the other function of the sunset review is to possibly improve the
existing system. Although, he is not suggesting spending a lot of
time on this, but he is hopeful that the audit would examine that
further. He said that it would helpful for him to explore this
further with the auditors.
Co-Chair Kelly said that his intent was to hold the bill.
Senator Green wondered about body pearcing and tattooing.
CATHERINE REARDON, Director, Division of Occupational Licensing,
Department of Community and Economic Development, indicated that no
licenses have been issued for body pearcing or tattooing in
permanent cosmetic coloring at this point. She said that the board
decided, during the meeting in January, what it was going to public
notice for comprehensive regulations about these professions. She
indicated that they are waiting for another month in order to issue
the board's public notice at the same time that Department of
Environmental Conservation issues its public notice about the
sanitary conditions of the shops. The requirement for a license
with these professions does not go into effect until July 2002.
She noted that the grandfather license deadline is July 1, 2001;
therefore, they are still in the beginning stages of licensing and
regulation of those two professions.
Co-Chair Kelly indicated that SB 53 would be HELD in Committee.
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