HB 222-LICENSURE OF MANICURISTS/NAIL TECHS  3:26:18 PM CHAIR KITO announced that the only order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 222, "An Act relating to the licensure of nail technicians; and providing for an effective date." [Before the committee was CSHB 222(L&C).] 3:26:48 PM REPRESENTATIVE MATT CLAMAN, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, gave an overview of HB 222. He stated that HB 222 would fix errors in Alaska Statute regarding a grandfather clause for people who have been successfully working in the nail industry for several years. Previously, individuals were "grandfathered" for three years, after which they would have to retake the 250 hours of instruction required of new applicants. He expressed that the original intent of the grandfather clause is that if an individual has experience, he/she shouldn't have to take the required instruction if he/she has experience. 3:27:27 PM REPRESENTATIVE SULLIVAN-LEONARD asked whether manicurists, regardless of previous experience, must pass a test to prove skills and knowledge. REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN answered yes. He added that the bill also addresses the fact that the department only had the test translated into four languages, although there are many nail technicians who don't speak any of those four languages. The bill includes provisions to ensure that the department would make accommodations for those who may not speak one of the four languages. He clarified that all nail technicians would still have to prove competency as a manicurist in an examination. 3:28:20 PM CHAIR KITO asked whether, under HB 222, nail technicians would have a continuing education requirement with health and safety components. REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN offered his understanding that there is not a continuing education requirement for nail technicians. He stated that the bill would not add such a requirement. 3:28:53 PM OWEN PHILLIPS, Staff, Representative Matt Claman, Alaska State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Claman, prime sponsor of HB 222, explained that those who are unable to take the test would be required to take education courses to obtain the skills necessary to take the exam to renew their license. The bill does not require educational credits; the exam would "sit in for" any education component. 3:29:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE WOOL moved to report HB 222, as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 222(L&C) was moved from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.