The following is a compendium of 2026 state bill enactments from Alabama through Kansas. The next State GR Update will feature bill enactments from the remaining states. Please note that this resource may not list all enactments of interest or concern to your school or business. Alabama SB 163 – Effective October 1, 2026 The Act provides for Alabama’s entry into the Esthetics Licensure Compact.
Alabama SB 183 – Effective October 1, 2026 This measure deregulates natural hair braiding. A “voluntary natural hairstylist license” will however remain available.
Arizona SB 1563 – July 1, 2026 The sunset extension Act establishes June 30, 2034, as the Barbering and Cosmetology Board’s new sunset date.
Arizona SB 1847 – FY 2027 started on July 1, 2026 This FY 2027 appropriations Act provides authorization and a $235,000 earmark for the Barbering and Cosmetology Board to fill three new positions: a Licensing Specialist, a Customer Service Representative, and a Quality Assurance Specialist.
Colorado HB 1181 – Effective August 12, 2026 The measure extends the state’s barbering and cosmetology Act until September 1, 2033. It also contains provisions to exempt certain services and providers – including electrologists and persons providing makeup application – from the Act.
Delaware SB 217 – Effective June 10, 2026 The Act provides for Delaware’s entry into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.
Georgia SB 207 – Most sections become effective July 1, 2026 This non-occupation specific Act establishes a licensure preclearance process for judicially involved individuals.
Georgia SB 485 – Relevant sections become effective on July 1, 2028 The Act requires nail technicians, as well as shop and salon owners, to display a copy of their driver’s license or state identification photo “in a conspicuous place in his or her beauty shop.”
Hawaii SB 2876 – Effective 1, 2028 The Act requires natural hair braiders to be registered, rather than licensed; and requires the state’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to adopt regulations for courses that cover sanitation, health, and the safety practices required for natural hair braiding.
Idaho H514 – Effective July 1, 2026 This early testing Act allows students to sit for licensure exams after completing 80% of required hours.
Idaho H703 – Effective July 1, 2026 The measure establishes a unified, Division wide disciplinary framework for all boards, commissions, committees, and programs administered by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
Idaho S1285 – Effective March 26, 2026 This Act amends Idaho law to ensure that a high school diploma earned from a nonpublic school is recognized as equivalent to a diploma from an accredited high school or a GED for the purpose of meeting occupational and professional licensing requirements.
Illinois HB 3460 – Effective January 1, 2027 The Acy makes professions regulated by the state’s Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act apprenticeable at double the course of instruction at a school and require apprentices to be compensated at least minimum wage.
Illinois HB 4762 – Effective July 10, 2027 The "Comprehensive Licensing Information to Minimize Barriers Act," reduces licensure obstacles for individuals with past criminal convictions.
Indiana HB 1131 – Various enactments dates (see bill). The measure amends the state’s definition of esthetics to include eyelash lift or tinting, eyebrow lamination or tinting, and microneedling. It also provides for a 600-hour electrology license.
Indiana HB 1230 – Effective July 1, 2026 The Act amends the qualifications of the beauty culture school owner/operator seat on the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners to allow that seat holder to also have a barbering or cosmetology license.
Kansas HB 2533 – Effective July 2026 The Act provides for Kansas’ entry into the Esthetics Licensure Compact. | 
