West Virginia HB4793: Creating the Barber Apprentice Program

What the bill says

To amend and reenact §30-27-3, §30-27-8, §30-27-8a, and §30-27-8b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists; providing a definition; lowering the minimum age to obtain licensure in certain professions from 18 to 16 years of age; removing good moral character requirements; revising certain licensure requirements; lowering the minimum age for receiving an apprenticeship from 16 to 14 years of age; providing for the development of additional apprenticeship programs; requiring the West Virginia Department of Education t.

From the engrossed text, February 25, 2026:

A BILL to amend and reenact §30-27-3, §30-27-8, §30-27-8a, and §30-27-8b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists; providing a definition; lowering the minimum age to obtain licensure in certain professions from 18 to 16 years of age; removing good moral character requirements; revising certain licensure requirements; lowering the minimum age for receiving an apprenticeship from 16 to 14 years of age; providing for the development of additional apprenticeship programs; requiring the West Virginia Department of Education to assist the board in developing and administering apprenticeships for 14- and 15-year olds to the extent necessary to receive any requisite federal authorization; providing program guidance; providing that an apprentice in an apprenticeship program shall be issued a license or certification if the apprentice completes the requisite hours and meets all other applicable requirements. ARTICLE 27. BOARD OF BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS. §30-27-3. Definitions. As used in this article, the following words and terms have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (a) "Aesthetics" or "esthetics" means any one or any combination of the following acts when done on the human body for compensation and not for the treatment of (2) Applying, by hand or with a mechanical or electrical apparatus, any cosmetics, makeups, oils, powders, clays, antiseptics, tonics, …

Read the full official text