Committee Summary for House Executive Departments and Administration (04/16/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB185 00:01:53.119 - 12:15:39 PM	Public Hearing	relative to office of professional licensure and certification investigations.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB285 00:51:43.359 - 1:05:29 PM	Public Hearing	relative to changing the term "physician assistant" to "physician associate."	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB93 01:17:41.280 - 1:31:27 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to licensed nurse assistant (LNA) licensure application materials.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB194 01:26:15.440 - 1:40:01 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to qualifications for cosmetologists.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025

SB185: Senator Howard Pearl, representing District 17 from Loudon Support00:01:53.119 - 12:15:39 PM; Senator Pearl introduced Senate Bill 185, aimed at improving the efficiency of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) by introducing timelines to the existing process for handling complaints. He explained that the bill would require OPLC staff to determine within 30 days if an allegation involves professional misconduct, and if so, to complete an investigation within 60 days. This is intended to ensure transparency and timely resolution for licensees. He noted that amendments to the bill had been made to address concerns and allow time for managing existing backlogs, indicating ongoing collaboration with OPLC and stakeholders.
SB185: Deanna Durus, Executive Director, OPLC and Nicholas Fry, General Counsel, OPLC Information Only00:08:54.000 - 12:22:40 PM; Deanna Durus and Nicholas Fry from OPLC provided operational and historical context regarding the proposed changes in Senate Bill 185. They discussed the structure and evolution of OPLC since its inception in 2015, highlighting the division of enforcement's role since 2021. They expressed concerns about the bill's potential to conflict with existing statutes, particularly regarding limitation periods for investigations and disciplinary proceedings. They also noted the potential operational challenges and the impact on staff and fees, but emphasized efforts to improve communication with complainants and licensees.
SB185: Representative Dere Information Only00:24:42.960 - 12:38:28 PM; Representative Dere clarified with Deanna Durus and Nicholas Fry from the OPLC about the implications of SB185 on professional misconduct and the statute of limitations. They discussed the potential issues with the timeline of the bill if there is a parallel criminal matter, noting that police records might not be released until a certain time, which could affect the process.
SB185: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:25:43.360 - 12:39:29 PM; An unnamed representative inquired about the review process of the backlog cases at the OPLC. Deanna Durus explained that they had completed a facial review of 500 cases and are now drafting memos for these cases to be reviewed by the board, which meets monthly.
SB185: Deanna Durus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only00:26:45.120 - 12:40:31 PM; Deanna Durus further elaborated on the review process and the interaction with the board. She mentioned that the board can request further investigation if they find something unusual in a case, and they must vote to dismiss a case actively.
SB185: Representative Dargy Information Only00:27:36.640 - 12:41:22 PM; Representative Dargy questioned the fiscal note of SB185, which mentioned the need for six or seven additional staff members. Deanna Durus responded that hiring more staff is challenging due to budget constraints and explained the intricate process of funding through licensing fees and the state budget.
SB185: Nina Gardner, Public Member, Board of Medicine Support00:30:37.520 - 12:44:23 PM; Nina Gardner, a public member of the Board of Medicine, testified in favor of SB185. She emphasized the significant backlog of cases at the Board of Medicine and the complexity of evaluating the standard of care. Gardner expressed concerns about the lack of resources to implement the bill effectively and supported the extension of the date to March 26 but questioned its sufficiency without additional funding.
SB185: Representative Sers Information Only00:35:41.599 - 12:49:27 PM; Representative Sers asked Nina Gardner about the progress in resolving the backlog at the Board of Medicine and the OPLC's ability to handle it. Gardner affirmed progress but highlighted the need for faster resolution with more resources.
SB185: Nick Parovich, Semi-Retired General Vascular Surgeon Support00:37:14.720 - 12:51:00 PM; Nick Parovich, a semi-retired general vascular surgeon, supported SB185. He emphasized the importance of having a physician investigator, as mentioned in the bill, to address the backlog more efficiently. He briefly discussed his past involvement with the Medical Review Subcommittee and its role in evaluating the standard of care.
SB185: Bob Quinn, CEO of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors Support00:40:28.800 - 12:54:14 PM; Bob Quinn, representing the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, supports SB185, stating it addresses concerns from members about delays in complaint resolutions, which can take up to three years. He describes the bill as a modest proposal intended to act as an 'off-ramp' to expedite the handling of complaints. The bill proposes that within 30 days, a determination must be made if there is an allegation of professional misconduct, and within 90 days, the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) must report the investigation status to the board. If the investigation is incomplete, the board can decide whether to adjudicate the matter or allow OPLC more time. Quinn emphasizes the backlog at the Real Estate Commission and argues that quicker adjudication would better serve consumers.
SB185: Carol Magcguire, representing Marramac 27 Support00:48:12.960 - 1:01:58 PM; Carol Magcguire supports SB185, highlighting its intent to improve feedback to complainants. She notes that many constituents feel their complaints vanish without updates. The bill aims to acknowledge complaints immediately and triage them quickly to address simple cases and clear the backlog. She believes this will help in dealing with new complaints more efficiently and improve responsiveness to constituents' issues.
SB285: David Roford, Senator representing New Hampshire Senate District 1 (Coos County and the top third of Grafton County) Support00:51:43.359 - 1:05:29 PM; Senator David Roford introduces SB285, which aims to change the term 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' in state laws and regulations. This change was recommended by a bipartisan study committee formed after the passage of HB122. The bill aligns with how state and national PA associations refer to themselves. Roford clarifies that the bill does not confuse the public, elevate PAs to physicians, change the scope of practice, or alter existing contracts. He mentions an amendment to prevent misuse of the term 'physician assistant' post-law change.
SB285: Erica Leon, Rockingham 13 Support01:01:10.079 - 1:14:56 PM; Erica Leon supports SB285 and discusses her initial concerns about physician assistants making critical medical decisions, which she resolved upon understanding their role. She believes the name change from 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' will reduce confusion and anxiety among patients. Leon also brought an amendment at the request of the physician associates to clarify that individuals cannot misuse the new term 'physician associate'.
SB285: Malcolm Hothay, Exit, NH, President of the New Hampshire Society of Physician Associates Support01:05:53.280 - 1:19:39 PM; Malcolm Hothay, representing the New Hampshire Society of Physician Associates (NHSPA), supports Senate Bill 285. He outlined that NHSPA, representing over 1,000 PAs in the state, supports the bill which aligns state laws and regulations with the national and state associations' legal name changes to 'Physician Associates'. Hothay mentioned that the bill was recommended by the HB1222 study committee in 2021, aimed at fully utilizing PAs in New Hampshire's healthcare system. He emphasized that the name change to 'Physician Associate' better reflects the profession's education, training, and role in modern healthcare teams. He clarified that the amendment proposed by Representative Leon is crucial to prevent confusion and protect patient safety by ensuring that only properly accredited and certified PAs use the title. He stressed that the bill would not alter the scope of practice, contracts with insurance carriers, or elevate PAs to the status of physicians. He also noted that similar legislation has been passed in Oregon and is pending in several other states.
SB285: Michael Bartlett, American Academy of Physician Associates Support01:11:54.480 - 1:25:40 PM; Michael Bartlett, representing the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), supports Senate Bill 285. He explained that the term 'Physician Assistant' does not reflect the true value of the profession, leading to the AAPA's decision in 2021 to change the profession's title to 'Physician Associate'. He noted that several state organizations, including New Hampshire's, have adopted this change. He mentioned Oregon as the first state to adopt this title change, with other states following suit. Bartlett confirmed that the title change process has been supported by multiple PA programs and organizations across the U.S.
SB285: Nina Gardner, Individual Citizen and Public Member of the Board of Medicine Information Only01:14:25.600 - 1:28:11 PM; Nina Gardner, speaking as an individual citizen and a public member of the Board of Medicine, provided information regarding the potential confusion in medical professions. She expressed concerns about the clarity of professional titles for consumers and shared that the Board of Medicine, in collaboration with the Board of Nursing, has worked to ensure clear identification of healthcare providers. Gardner emphasized the importance of healthcare professionals introducing themselves clearly to patients to avoid confusion. She did not take a stance on supporting or opposing the bill but highlighted the need for clear professional identification.
SB93: Grant Bossi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the New Hampshire Senate Support01:17:41.280 - 1:31:27 PM; Grant Bossi introduced Senate Bill 93 on behalf of Senator Dan Innis. The bill, as amended, would allow students who have completed their first year of a nursing program to sit for the LNA exam and work as a licensed LNA while continuing their education. This amendment aims to address New Hampshire's nursing shortage by easing the path for nursing students to enter the workforce.
SB93: Representative (unspecified) Information Only01:18:44.600 - 1:32:30 PM; The representative questioned the clarity and intent of the bill's text, specifically concerning the requirement for documentation of successful completion of a fundamentals of nursing curriculum or its equivalent from a board-approved nursing education program. They raised concerns about whether an online class could suffice for certification and suggested the addition of commas to clarify the requirement that the program must be board-approved.
SB93: Grant Bossi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the New Hampshire Senate Information Only01:19:58.239 - 1:33:44 PM; Grant Bossi clarified that the board-approved nursing education program must apply to both the successful completion of fundamentals of nursing curriculum and its equivalent. He emphasized the importance of clear drafting, such as using the Oxford comma, to avoid ambiguity in the bill's text.
SB93: Representative (unspecified) Information Only01:21:06.560 - 1:34:52 PM; The representative confirmed the intent of the bill, which allows nursing students to take the LNA test and work as LNAs while in school. They discussed the need for clarity in the statute to reflect current practice and suggested adding commas to the bill's text to clarify its meaning.
SB93: Representative Lamb Information Only01:22:04.000 - 1:35:50 PM; Representative Lamb inquired if the bill's changes would be effective before the next class tests for licensing. It was clarified that the effective date is 60 days after passage, and further details would need to be confirmed with the OPLC.
SB93: Diana Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC, and Attorney Fry Information Only01:22:51.120 - 1:36:37 PM; Diana Jurus explained that the bill aims to codify a long-standing practice into law due to a recent challenge regarding statutory authority. She noted that the fundamentals of nursing are within board-approved RN programs, and the 'or its equivalent' language allows for flexibility in program naming. Jurus requested the bill's effective date be changed to upon passage to align with the May testing schedule for students.
SB93: Representative (unspecified) Information Only01:24:57.520 - 1:38:43 PM; The representative humorously inquired about the possibility of a 'licensed nurse associate' title, which was clarified as not anticipated. The discussion closed with no further questions and a suggestion for an amendment to add commas for clarity.
SB194: Senator David Waters Support01:26:15.440 - 1:40:01 PM; Senator Waters introduced Senate Bill 194, which proposes to reduce the required training hours for cosmetologists from 1,500 to 1,200 hours. He explained that this change was recommended by the Association of Career and Technical Education Center cosmetologists and directors and supported by the Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education. The reduction aligns with a previous executive order that eliminated certain qualifications, and it would allow students to complete their training within high school, saving them costs and time. Waters highlighted the importance of career and technical education in New Hampshire, mentioning the state's 21 centers and their role in preparing students for the workforce. He also compared the proposed hours to those in neighboring states, noting that many set their minimum at 1,000 hours.
SB194: Diana Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only01:32:35.480 - 1:46:21 PM; Diana Jurus stated that the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) would be able to implement the proposed change in training hours for cosmetologists. She mentioned that the OPLC could adjust RSA 313-11 easily within their system and was available for any further questions.
SB194: Olivia Adams, Dover High School Career Technical Center Oppose01:33:26.239 - 1:47:12 PM; Olivia Adams, a third-year student in the cosmetology program at Dover High School, opposed the reduction of training hours from 1,500 to 1,200. She explained that her class has been working diligently to complete their hours, including 300 hours through an online program. Reducing the hours would essentially eliminate these online hours. She also pointed out that some students from sending schools miss out on hours due to scheduling conflicts, which would be unfair if the hours were reduced. Adams argued that 1,200 hours still cover the necessary curriculum, but the current 1,500 hours allow for more comprehensive training.
SB194: Representative Sers Information Only01:34:35.040 - 1:48:21 PM; Representative Sers asked Olivia Adams about her opinion on the appropriate number of training hours for cosmetologists, referencing Vermont's lack of a minimum requirement. Adams responded that 1,200 hours are sufficient to cover all necessary skills, but she supports the current 1,500 hours as it provides extra training opportunities.
SB194: Representative Dargy Information Only01:35:52.000 - 1:49:38 PM; Representative Dargy discusses the comparison of cosmetology training hours in other states, suggesting a minimum of 1,000 hours for New Hampshire's curriculum, but expresses that 1,200 hours could still be adequate. They highlight the structure of the program where students accumulate hours over three years, indicating that 1,000 hours would cover the necessary training.
SB194: Karly Callaway, Dover and Spalding High School Support01:37:59.560 - 1:51:45 PM; Karly Callaway, a third-year cosmetology student, supports reducing the required hours for cosmetology licensure from 1,500 to 1,200. She explains the difficulties faced by sending students due to differing schedules between Spalding and Dover High Schools, which result in missed hours. She argues that decreasing the minimum hours would help students like herself achieve licensure more easily, and addresses concerns about preparedness by stating her confidence in her readiness for the workforce despite being at the 1,200-hour mark. She also mentions the deregulation of certain services and its impact on required hours.
SB194: Kristen Tumi, Dover High School Support01:44:40.159 - 1:58:26 PM; Kristen Tumi, a teacher at Dover High School's cosmetology program, supports Senate Bill 194, which aims to reduce the required hours for cosmetology licensure to 1,200. Tumi argues that this reform aligns New Hampshire with other states and would not compromise public safety or service quality. She emphasizes the potential for increased graduation and licensure rates, and economic benefits for students. Tumi also shares her experience from a New York program with fewer required hours and believes that even 1,000 hours could suffice without affecting the curriculum's effectiveness. She highlights the industry's need for new professionals post-COVID and the supportive nature of the field for new graduates.
SB194: Melissa Hope, Dover High School Support01:51:25.560 - 2:05:11 PM; Melissa Hope, an educator at Dover High School's cosmetology program, supports SB194. She discusses the benefits of reducing the hours to 1,200, including alignment with neighboring states, increased accessibility to licensure, and reduced financial burden on students. Hope highlights the safety training within the program, the state-mandated testing, and the economic advantages for students completing the program in high school versus at a post-secondary institution. She also addresses the industry's need for professionals and the potential for students to seek licensure in other states with lower hour requirements if New Hampshire does not adjust its standards.
SB194: Barb Beride, Certified and Ready to be Safe Information Only01:57:41.520 - 2:11:27 PM; Barb Beride provided information about the cosmetology state exam, stating that students from Dover High School have a 97% pass rate. She explained that the exam is rigorous, consisting of a 3 to 5 hour practical exam and a 110-question written exam that must be completed within 90 minutes. She emphasized that the exam is standardized across the state for all cosmetologists.
SB194: Kobe Green, Representative Information Only01:59:01.679 - 2:12:47 PM; Kobe Green inquired about the scope of cosmetology education beyond hair, to which it was explained that cosmetology includes hair, skin, and nails, covering a broad spectrum of services such as facials, waxing, lash extensions, color, perming, chemical treatments, manicures, pedicures, gel polish, and nail enhancements.
SB194: Unnamed Speaker, Cosmetologist Information Only01:59:38.239 - 2:13:24 PM; The speaker, a cosmetologist, shared personal experience with the state exam after completing a thousand-hour program in New York, passing with flying colors. They supported the idea that cosmetologists continuously learn on the job, suggesting that the required hours for certification are a baseline but not a limit to learning.
SB194: Unnamed Speaker, Representative Information Only02:00:49.199 - 2:14:35 PM; The representative asked about the apprenticeship program in New Hampshire, confirming that apprentices need to complete double the hours (3,000 hours) under a licensed cosmetologist to be eligible for the exam.
SB194: Dean Chappelle, Cosmetology Board of New Hampshire, School Owner Oppose02:01:49.679 - 2:15:35 PM; Dean Chappelle, representing the Cosmetology Board and also a school owner, expressed opposition to certain aspects of the bill. He clarified that the board was in favor of adding a CTE member to the board, which was removed from the bill. He pointed out inaccuracies in previous testimonies and emphasized the importance of CTE programs, noting their challenges and the necessity of reducing hours to 1500 for high school students due to logistical issues like transportation and scheduling. He mentioned that current statutes allow for the transfer of hours to licensed schools, with articulation agreements in place.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 1, Cosmetology Board of New Hampshire Information Only02:06:36.560 - 2:20:22 PM; The speaker discussed the articulation agreements between CTE programs and post-secondary schools, which allow students to transfer hours and reduce their tuition and time in school. They noted that these agreements are not mandatory and are requested by CTE programs to continue receiving state funding. The speaker emphasized that the bill focuses solely on cosmetology but affects many other disciplines regulated by the board. They mentioned that reducing the required hours from 1500 to 1200 would force students to complete 300 additional hours elsewhere, taking about 3 months at 30 hours per week.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 2, Cosmetology Board of New Hampshire Information Only02:07:44.840 - 2:21:30 PM; The speaker raised concerns about the hands-on clinical hours achieved by CTE programs and the difficulty of opening a business within a school system to serve the public. They clarified that braiding, blow drying, styling, and shampooing were not removed from the curriculum as previously stated, and that approved textbooks for cosmetology are based on a 1500-hour program. They also expressed concern about a 14-year-old sophomore taking a licensing test on sanitation and infection control 4 years later.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 3, Cosmetology Board of New Hampshire Information Only02:10:36.520 - 2:24:22 PM; The speaker discussed the differences between sanitation, sterilization, and disinfection, emphasizing the importance of infection control. They noted that some of the reported information was inaccurate and provided statistics on the number of hours required for licensure across the U.S., mentioning that Vermont recently changed to a 1000-hour requirement.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 4, Cosmetology Board of New Hampshire Information Only02:12:10.960 - 2:25:56 PM; The speaker addressed testimony from Miss Callaway and Miss Hope, focusing on facts and researchable data. They clarified that braiding, styling, and natural hair practices were deregulated but not removed from the curriculum. They emphasized the need for these practices to be taught in a 1500-hour program and corrected misinformation about the governor's role in the deregulation, stating it was the legislature's decision.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 5, Cosmetology Board of New Hampshire Information Only02:14:26.040 - 2:28:12 PM; The speaker discussed the financial implications of the bill, mentioning the maximum student loan debt for independent and dependent students in New Hampshire. They noted that transfer hours would reduce the program length and associated costs. They also addressed a statement about post-secondary students feeling they were making money for the company, clarifying that it was not stated in the hearing and was irrelevant.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 6, Cosmetology Board of New Hampshire Information Only02:16:08.040 - 2:29:54 PM; The speaker concluded by expressing concerns about the bill, stating that the board was not taking a position but raising issues. They provided bullet points highlighting three main issues faced by CTE programs: the lack of transferability of apprentice hours from schools to salon apprenticeships, the need for representation on the board, and another unspecified issue.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 6, Cosmetology Board of New Hampshire Information Only02:16:08.040 - 2:29:54 PM; The speaker discussed the potential restructuring of the Cosmetology Board, suggesting a reduction from seven to six members due to lack of representation and industry relevance, particularly mentioning the tanning sector. They expressed openness to questions and provided bullet points for clarity.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 7 Information Only02:18:31.398 - 2:32:17 PM; The speaker responded to inquiries about misinformation related to the bill. They clarified incorrect statements regarding other states' hour requirements for licensure, specifically noting inaccuracies about Vermont's requirements and the feasibility of completing a 1500-hour curriculum in 1200 hours. They also discussed the potential negative impact on CTE programs if the bill passes.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 8 Information Only02:20:34.960 - 2:34:20 PM; The speaker addressed concerns about the scope of practice in New Hampshire compared to Vermont, particularly regarding massage therapy. They clarified that while some massage is part of their curriculum, they are not massage therapists, highlighting differences in licensure requirements between the two states.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 9 Information Only02:21:45.439 - 2:35:31 PM; The speaker responded to questions about the curriculum, clarifying that the deregulation of certain practices like braiding and blowing does not necessarily mean those hours can be removed from the curriculum. They emphasized the importance of those elements in the educational program.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 10 Information Only02:22:54.640 - 2:36:40 PM; The speaker discussed the impact of the bill on CTE programs, explaining that current law allows transfer of hours from secondary to post-secondary programs. They expressed concern that reducing required hours might make it harder for CTE programs to maintain articulation agreements with post-secondary schools, potentially affecting their funding and program viability.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 11 Information Only02:23:59.880 - 2:37:45 PM; In response to a suggestion to mandate schools to accept transfer hours, the speaker noted it might be a bad idea to mandate private businesses in such a way. They clarified the bill's focus and its potential effects on both CTE programs and private businesses.
SB194: Unknown Speaker 12 Information Only02:25:08.960 - 2:38:54 PM; The speaker sought clarification on the bill's implications, particularly regarding the ability to apply for licensure after completing 1200 hours instead of 1500. They discussed the involvement of CTE instructors in the proposed changes and the potential misunderstanding of the bill's focus.
SB194: Philly Roth House Oppose02:26:51.200 - 2:40:37 PM; Philly Roth House spoke in opposition to Senate Bill 194, arguing against the reduction of required hours for cosmetology licensure from 1500 to 1200. They highlighted the rigorous certification processes in other professions like education and speech pathology, suggesting that lowering standards in cosmetology might be more about revenue enhancement for the state than ensuring professional expertise. They emphasized that if licensing is meant to acknowledge expertise, then the current hours are necessary, and lowering them could compromise the profession's integrity.
SB194: Lori Rothhouse Oppose02:28:59.600 - 2:42:45 PM; Lori Rothhouse, a long-time educator and school board member, opposed Senate Bill 194, expressing concerns about reducing the required hours for cosmetology licensure. She compared high school CTE programs to professional beauty schools, arguing that they serve different purposes and that the business model of beauty schools offers more practical, hands-on experience. She highlighted the importance of competency-based education and expressed safety concerns about reducing training hours, suggesting that inadequate training could lead to higher dropout rates and compromise the profession's reputation.
SB194: Sarah Joe Oppose02:36:32.080 - 2:50:18 PM; Sarah Joe, a state board of cosmetology member and instructor, spoke against Senate Bill 194. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the 1500-hour requirement to align with national standards, which facilitate licensure portability across states. She noted that reducing hours could undermine the profession's reputation and hinder students' ability to succeed in the industry. She highlighted the comprehensive education and practical experience needed in cosmetology, arguing that lowering the hours would not adequately prepare students for a sustainable career.
SB194: Kim Walsh Oppose02:47:30.960 - 3:01:16 PM; Kim Walsh, a school director and cosmetology instructor at Empire Beauty School, opposed Senate Bill 194. She argued that reducing the required hours from 1500 to 1200 would negatively impact students' ability to gain necessary hands-on experience, which is crucial for success in the industry. She emphasized the importance of students developing not only technical skills but also salon speed and people skills through practical experience. Walsh highlighted the challenges of balancing theory and practical training within reduced hours, suggesting that the current requirement is essential for preparing students for a sustainable career.
SB194: Kerianne Stabro Oppose02:56:09.600 - 3:09:55 PM; Kerianne Stabro, a seasoned professional in the hair industry, expressed her opposition to SB194. She highlighted her extensive experience and achievements in the field, including working internationally, educating at hair shows, preparing hair for the New York City Ballet Gala, and being nominated for North American Hair Styling Awards. Stabro argued that reducing the required education hours from 1500 to 1200, as proposed by the bill, would be detrimental to the industry. She emphasized the importance of adequate practice, confidence building, and fundamental education, comparing the proposed reduction to cutting training hours for pilots, doctors, and teachers. She believes that the bill demeans the profession by suggesting that the skills required are easily achievable, similar to what a $15 box of hair color might imply.
SB194: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:00:35.520 - 3:14:21 PM; The speaker discusses the process and potential risks of using a hair lightening product, emphasizing the need for proper education and practice in the hair styling industry. They explain the chemical reaction involved in lightening hair, the importance of understanding the application process to prevent damage, and the complexity of achieving desired results with limited product. The speaker also touches on the evolving nature of the hair styling industry and the need for comprehensive education to keep up with new techniques and products.
SB194: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:04:00.279 - 3:17:46 PM; Continuing from the previous speaker, they further elaborate on the application of hair lightening products, highlighting the risks of uneven color results and hair damage due to improper application. They stress that without adequate education, achieving the desired hair color is highly unlikely and could be detrimental to hair health. The speaker also mentions the removal of certain skills from the curriculum and the physical demands of the job, advocating for better educational standards in the industry.
SB194: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:06:46.240 - 3:20:32 PM; The speaker concludes their testimony by reiterating the impossibility of achieving platinum hair from a box without professional education and the near impossibility of a licensed stylist achieving the same without proper training. They emphasize the physical toll of the job and the need for education that covers the evolving techniques and products in the industry. The speaker requests the committee to consider the importance of comprehensive education for hairstylists.
SB194: Unnamed Speaker, Empire Beauty School Support03:08:26.479 - 3:22:12 PM; The speaker expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discuss the specifics of their profession as a hair stylist and educator. They highlighted the importance of education and passion in their field, suggesting that the bill is crucial for recognizing the value of their work. They mentioned working independently and occasionally educating at Empire Beauty School, emphasizing the need for understanding and support for their profession through this legislation.
SB194: John Langlo, Beauty Industry Support03:09:52.640 - 3:23:38 PM; John Langlo, with 50 years in the beauty business, shared his extensive experience starting from selling beauty supplies to owning 21 hair salons and running beauty schools. He emphasized the creativity and artistic talent of hair designers, calling them 'hair designers' instead of cosmetologists. Langlo praised New Hampshire's quality of life and expressed pride in being from the state. He stressed that the beauty business is fundamentally a people business, focused on making people feel better about themselves. He discussed the importance of the clinic in beauty schools for students' practical experience and success, and highlighted the personal stories of students who gain self-worth and confidence through their education and work in the industry.
SB194: Speaker from Empire Beauty School Oppose03:14:35.560 - 3:28:21 PM; The speaker emphasized the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge in beauty education. They highlighted that students at Empire Beauty School undergo 1500 hours of training, including both theory and practical work on mannequins and real people. They argued that relying solely on clinic revenue is unsustainable and pointed out the significant difference between practicing on mannequins versus humans, particularly with tasks like hair coloring. The speaker stressed that real-world experience is crucial, suggesting that high school programs should either include a paid clinic or continue to send students to beauty schools for additional hours.
SB194: Speaker from CTE Information Only03:16:10.359 - 3:29:56 PM; The speaker discussed the need for practical experience in beauty education, suggesting two potential solutions: high schools should either establish a paid clinic room or continue sending students to beauty schools for an additional 300 hours. They used a personal anecdote about a medical emergency to illustrate the importance of practical skills over theoretical knowledge in any profession.
SB194: Speaker from New Hampshire Information Only03:16:58.960 - 3:30:44 PM; The speaker shared a personal experience with medical care to underline the difference between theoretical and practical skills. They mentioned seeking better medical care outside New Hampshire due to perceived inadequacies in local treatment, drawing a parallel to the need for practical experience in beauty education.
SB194: Speaker on State Comparisons Information Only03:17:50.399 - 3:31:36 PM; The speaker presented data on beauty education hour requirements across the United States, noting that a majority of states require at least 1500 hours, with some requiring more. They argued that the higher hours in many states are likely due to the complexity of services and the need for safety and sanitation, using examples from other states to support their point.
SB194: Speaker on Practical Experience Support03:18:52.319 - 3:32:38 PM; The speaker supported the need for practical experience by comparing it to professional sports training, specifically mentioning the Boston Celtics. They argued that real-world practice is essential for mastering skills, particularly in complex and safety-critical services. They also mentioned incidents in salons to highlight the importance of safety and sanitation training.
SB194: Speaker on Practical Experience Oppose03:20:20.960 - 3:34:06 PM; The speaker expressed strong opposition to reducing the required hours for cosmetology licensing from 1500 to 1200 hours, citing potential harm to the industry and the reputation of New Hampshire. They emphasized the importance of practical experience on paying clients, contrasting it with free services done at home. They argued that reducing hours would lead to incompetence due to insufficient practice on real clients, which could result in negative outcomes like skin damage and unsatisfactory hair coloring.
SB194: Speaker on Salon Priorities Oppose03:21:43.359 - 3:35:29 PM; Continuing the argument against the bill, the speaker highlighted that new salon owners are more focused on established clients than training new cosmetologists. They noted that new employees often end up doing menial tasks rather than gaining practical experience with clients. The speaker was passionate about the profession and stressed that reducing hours would negatively impact aspiring professionals, particularly those who have overcome personal challenges.
SB194: Speaker on Educational Costs Oppose03:23:46.319 - 3:37:32 PM; The speaker argued that reducing the required hours would lead to failure for students who invest significant time and money into their education, as they would lack sufficient real-world practice. They suggested that maintaining the 1500-hour requirement is crucial for ensuring the success and professionalism of future cosmetologists.
SB194: Speaker on Professionalism Oppose03:24:38.120 - 3:38:24 PM; This speaker reiterated the importance of the 1500-hour requirement, emphasizing that it is key to maintaining professionalism in the industry. They responded to a question about the relevance of medical terms in their testimony, clarifying that it was an analogy to emphasize the importance of professional training.
SB194: Speaker on Competition Oppose03:25:31.439 - 3:39:17 PM; The speaker, when asked about competition with cosmetology schools in Massachusetts, stated that they focus on providing the best education possible and have not seen significant enrollment from Massachusetts due to the travel distance. This suggests that the bill's impact might not significantly affect their school's operations.
SB194: Senator Waters Information Only03:26:45.520 - 3:40:31 PM; Senator Waters provided additional information regarding the original bill's intent to add a CTE representative to the cosmetology board. They discussed the potential for negotiating with the OPLC to maintain the board's size while adding a CTE member. They also mentioned the new CTE salon program that could allow students to gain 1200 hours of experience, and compared cosmetology hour requirements across different states to argue that a reduction to 1200 hours would still be sufficient.
SB194: Matt Lambert Oppose03:30:47.720 - 3:44:33 PM; Matt Lambert, a 25-year veteran of the beauty industry, opposed the bill, stating it primarily benefits Dover Cosmetology rather than the state of New Hampshire as a whole. He expressed respect for the instructors and students at Dover but felt the bill did not serve the broader interests of the state's cosmetology community.
SB194: Unknown Speaker, possibly from the beauty industry Oppose03:31:33.920 - 3:45:19 PM; The speaker, who ran 24 hair salons, expressed opposition to the bill. They argued that passing the licensing test does not guarantee competence in the beauty industry, as they had encountered individuals who passed the test but were not skilled enough to work in a salon. They highlighted that lowering the required hours to 1500, as proposed, would lower standards, pointing out that many states require more hours. They shared personal experience from running salons in Massachusetts, where many graduates struggled in their first two years and needed significant additional training, which many salons cannot provide. They urged the committee to consider the testimonies heard and to aim for standards that would keep New Hampshire above average.
SB194: Representative Sitec, General Manager at Empire Beauty Schools Information Only03:32:36.319 - 3:46:22 PM; Representative Sitec, identifying as the General Manager at Empire Beauty Schools, was present to provide information or testify. However, the content of their testimony was not captured in the provided transcript snippet.

Layon, Erica(Chairman)(R)[A+]2025	Sytek, John(Clerk)(R)[B-]2025	Slottje, Jeremy(V Chairman)(R)[A+]2025
Schmidt, Peter(D)[F]2025	Thibault, James(R)[A]2025	Howard, Heath(D)[F]2025
Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025	de Vries, Erica(D)[CT]2025	Dargie, Paul(D)[F]2025
Davis, Fred(D)[D-]2025	Bailey, Glenn(R)[A+]2025	Kelley, Diane(R)[A-]2025
Pearson, Stephen(R)[B-]2025	Grote, Jaci(D)[CT]2025	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
DeRoy, Susan(R)[A-]2025