PARSIPPANY — A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce creating a three-year pilot program in Passaic County to allow experienced barbers and hairstylists to work while waiting for a New Jersey license is now law.
“It’s unreasonable to prevent experienced professionals from earning a living just because they come from out of state or another country,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “As long as they meet state standards they should be able to pursue their livelihood. This pilot program will show us if we should implement such a law statewide.”
The bill (A3443) is in response to concerns expressed by Passaic Mayor Hector Lora who said local immigrant barbers are not allowed to work while waiting for a state license, according to an article in the Bergen Record.
Prior to the new law, experienced barbers and hairstylists licensed in another state or another country had to apply for a license from the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and pay a $100 application fee and a $39 written exam fee. Board approval can take up to six months. If the licensing standards of the home state or country did not meet state standards, experienced barbers had to take courses costing $12,000.
The state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling will evaluate the program and make recommendations to the governor and Legislature.
