A bill that allows military personnel and military dependents licensed as cosmetologists in other states to continue practicing their trade while stationed in Alabama has been filed in the Alabama House of Representatives.
House Bill 246, sponsored by State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham), would remove restrictions on military families that require them to receive licensure from the state before being able to ply their craft in Alabama.
“Passage of this legislation will ensure that our fighting men and women and dependents who worked as hair stylists and cosmetologists elsewhere can continue to access employment opportunities while stationed in Alabama,” Paschal said. “As a U.S. Army career veteran, I understand the hardships and sacrifices that military dependents face, and they deserve to have their transition to a new posting made as easy and simple as possible.”
Last year, the Alabama Legislature passed a package of bills under the leadership of Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth drafted by the Alabama Military Stability Commission to improve the quality of life of the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed within Alabama.
Among the measures included in that package of bills was a guarantee of the acceptance of out-of-state occupational licenses for military dependents in various professions.
Ainsworth, who chairs the Alabama Military Stability Commission, lauded Paschal’s bill, claiming it would continue to bring more active-duty members to Alabama.
“Alabama was among the first states in the nation to pass legislation ensuring occupational licensing reciprocity for military dependents, and we have expanded that effort to cover various boards, commissions, trades, and professions each year since,” Ainsworth said. “By continuing this initiative, Rep. Paschal is helping Alabama remain the country’s friendliest state for active duty service members, military dependents, and veterans.”
Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering executive director Jeannie Price drafted the legislation with 10 other state cosmetology boards.
“We are excited about this opportunity for the cosmetology profession and our licensees,” Price said. “This legislation will reduce the barriers of employment in our state, benefiting our military families as well as others relocating to our state.”
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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