S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
1916--A
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
January 14, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. PAULIN, LUPARDO, ZACCARO, CUNNINGHAM, SIMONE,
WEPRIN, LUNSFORD, TAPIA, SHIMSKY -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Economic Development -- committee discharged, bill
amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit-
tee
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to licensing of
laser hair removal technicians
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 400 of the general business law is amended by
adding two new subdivisions 12 and 13 to read as follows:
12. THE PRACTICE OF "LASER HAIR REMOVAL" MEANS THE USE OF A LASER OR
PULSED LIGHT DEVICE IN A HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURE THAT DOES NOT REMOVE THE
EPIDERMIS.
13. "LASER HAIR REMOVAL TECHNICIAN" MEANS A PERSON LICENSED BY THE
SECRETARY WHO PRACTICES LASER HAIR REMOVAL AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION
TWELVE OF THIS SECTION.
§ 2. Subdivisions 1 and 3 of section 401 of the general business law,
subdivision 1 as amended by chapter 80 of the laws of 2015 and subdivi-
sion 3 as amended by chapter 341 of the laws of 1998, are amended to
read as follows:
1. No person shall engage in the practice of nail specialty, waxing,
natural hair styling, esthetics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL,
as defined in section four hundred of this article, without having
received a license to engage in such practice in the manner prescribed
in this article. No person shall act as a trainee or perform any service
as such unless [he or she] SUCH PERSON has obtained a certificate of
registration pursuant to this article.
3. A person licensed by any other state or country to practice nail
specialty, waxing, natural hair styling, esthetics [or], cosmetology OR
LASER HAIR REMOVAL shall be allowed to practice in New York state for
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00118-03-5
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three months or less within any calendar year for the purpose of giving
to, or receiving from, persons who are licensed under this article
training in current styles, techniques or materials, provided however,
that no such unlicensed person may provide services to the public for
any fee, or other compensation, whether direct or indirect.
§ 3. Subdivision 1 of section 403 of the general business law, as
amended by chapter 339 of the laws of 2017, is amended to read as
follows:
1. There shall be established within the department an advisory
committee which shall consist of [nine] ELEVEN members broadly represen-
tative of the appearance enhancement industry; including one person
engaged in the practice of either nail specialty or waxing; two persons
engaged in natural hair styling; one of whom shall be knowledgeable in
the practice of styling techniques which place tension on the hair
roots, and one of whom shall ensure strict adherence to quality services
for all clients of all hair types, including, but not limited to, curl
pattern, hair strand thickness, and volume of hair; one person engaged
in esthetics; ONE PERSON ENGAGED IN LASER HAIR REMOVAL; two persons
engaged in cosmetology; two persons engaged in training of persons for
such practices and [one] TWO PHYSICIANS LICENSED IN THIS STATE, ONE OF
WHOM SHALL BE A person licensed as a dermatologist. The secretary shall
appoint such persons to serve on the advisory committee, provided, that
two shall be appointed by the secretary on the recommendation of the
temporary president of the senate and two shall be appointed by the
secretary on the recommendation of the speaker of the assembly. Each
member of the committee shall be appointed for terms of two years. Any
member may be reappointed for additional terms. The secretary shall
designate from among the members of the committee a chairperson who
shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary.
§ 4. Section 404 of the general business law, as amended by chapter
664 of the laws of 2023, is amended to read as follows:
§ 404. Rules and regulations. The secretary shall promulgate rules and
regulations which establish standards for practice and operation by
licensees and trainees under this article in order to ensure the health,
safety and welfare of the public including licensees and trainees when
they are working within such establishments. Such rules and regulations
shall include, but not be limited to, the sanitary conditions and proce-
dures required to be maintained, a minimum standard of training appro-
priate to the duties of nail specialists, trainees, waxers, natural hair
stylists, estheticians, [and] cosmetologists AND LASER HAIR REMOVAL
TECHNICIANS and the provision of service by nail specialists, trainees,
waxers, natural hair stylists, estheticians [or], cosmetologists OR
LASER HAIR REMOVAL TECHNICIANS at remote locations other than the
licensee's home provided that such practitioner holds an appearance
enhancement business license to operate at a fixed location or is
employed by the holder of an appearance enhancement business license.
Regulations setting forth the educational requirements for nail special-
ists and trainees shall include education in the area of causes of
infection and bacteriology. REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE PRACTICE AND
OPERATION OF LICENSED LASER HAIR REMOVAL TECHNICIANS SHALL INCLUDE THE
STANDARDS SET FORTH IN SECTION FOUR HUNDRED FOUR-D OF THIS ARTICLE.
Regulations setting forth the educational requirements for cosmetolo-
gists or natural hair stylists shall include education regarding the
provision of services to individuals with all hair types and textures,
including, but not limited to, various curl or wave patterns, hair
strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair. In promulgating such rules and
A. 1916--A 3
regulations the secretary shall consult with the state education depart-
ment, the advisory committee established pursuant to this article, any
other state agencies and private industry representatives as may be
appropriate in determining minimum training requirements.
§ 5. The general business law is amended by adding a new section 404-d
to read as follows:
§ 404-D. LASER HAIR REMOVAL RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. THE SECRETARY
SHALL, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH AND THE APPEAR-
ANCE ENHANCEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION FOUR HUNDRED
THREE OF THIS ARTICLE, PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS WHICH ESTABLISH
STANDARDS FOR THE PRACTICE AND OPERATION OF LICENSED LASER HAIR REMOVAL
TECHNICIANS IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE
PUBLIC INCLUDING LICENSEES AND TRAINEES WHEN THEY ARE WORKING IN SUCH
ESTABLISHMENTS. SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS SHALL BE PROMULGATED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION FOUR HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE AND SHALL
INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: THE IDENTIFICATION OF A STATE APPROVED
CURRICULUM FOR LICENSEES; THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A REGISTRATION FEE FOR
LASER HAIR REMOVAL ESTABLISHMENTS; A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT FOR LASER
HAIR REMOVAL TECHNICIANS; THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF HOURS OF TRAINING A
TRAINEE MUST RECEIVE FROM A STATE APPROVED CURRICULUM; TRAINING REQUIRE-
MENTS SPECIFYING THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PROCEDURES, SPECIFIC TO EACH PART
OF THE BODY, TO BE PERFORMED ON VOLUNTEERS; AND CONTINUED CERTIFICATION
BY A NATIONALLY ACCREDITED ORGANIZATION ACCEPTABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT.
2. THE DEPARTMENT MAY, AT ITS DISCRETION, WAIVE TRAINING AND CURRIC-
ULUM REQUIREMENTS FOR A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE PURSUANT TO
SECTION SIXTY-NINE HUNDRED FIVE OF THE EDUCATION LAW, AND CURRENTLY
EMPLOYED LICENSED ESTHETICIANS PERFORMING LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROVIDED
THAT THE LICENSED ESTHETICIAN OR REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE SATISFAC-
TORILY COMPLETES THE COMPETENCY EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
3. THE SECRETARY SHALL REQUIRE ESTABLISHMENTS PROVIDING LASER HAIR
REMOVAL TO MAINTAIN A MAINTENANCE OF A MINIMUM OF ONE MILLION DOLLARS IN
LIABILITY INSURANCE.
4. THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL ESTABLISH A TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE
HOTLINE NUMBER AND REPORTING FORM ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE FOR USE BY
LASER HAIR REMOVAL CUSTOMERS FOR COMPLAINTS RELATED TO PRACTICES THAT
RESULT IN HEALTH OR SAFETY INJURIES. SUCH TOLL-FREE HOTLINE NUMBER SHALL
BE CLEARLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED IN ANY PREMISES PERFORMING LASER
HAIR REMOVAL AND ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL BE
REQUIRED TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY ON ANY COMPLAINTS RECEIVED IN A TIMELY
MANNER.
§ 6. Paragraph a of subdivision 1 of section 406 of the general busi-
ness law, as amended by chapter 341 of the laws of 1998, is amended to
read as follows:
a. Any person intending to practice nail specialty, waxing, natural
hair styling, esthetics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL as
defined in this article, or to own or operate an appearance enhancement
business, shall first make application to the secretary for a license
therefor.
§ 7. Subdivision 2 of section 406 of the general business law, as
amended by chapter 341 of the laws of 1998 and paragraph c as amended by
section 3 of part D of chapter 328 of the laws of 2014, is amended to
read as follows:
2. a. Any person seventeen years of age or older may apply to the
secretary for a license to practice nail specialty, waxing, natural hair
styling, esthetics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL.
A. 1916--A 4
b. Each such application shall also be accompanied by satisfactory
evidence of having taken and passed the appropriate examination or exam-
inations offered by the secretary pursuant to this article for the
license sought and evidence of the successful completion of an approved
course of study in nail specialty, waxing, natural hair styling, esthet-
ics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL in a school duly licensed
pursuant to the education law.
B-1. EACH APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE TO PRACTICE LASER HAIR REMOVAL
SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED BY:
(I) VERIFICATION THAT SUCH PERSON HAS MET THE REQUIREMENTS OF A REGIS-
TERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE PURSUANT TO SECTION SIXTY-NINE HUNDRED FIVE OF
THE EDUCATION LAW; OR
(II) SATISFACTORY EVIDENCE OF HAVING TAKEN AND PASSED THE EXAMINATIONS
OFFERED BY THE SECRETARY FOR A LICENSE TO PRACTICE ESTHETICS AND
EVIDENCE OF THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AN APPROVED COURSE OF STUDY IN
ESTHETICS IN A SCHOOL DULY LICENSED PURSUANT TO THE EDUCATION LAW.
c. Any applicant for a license to practice nail specialty, waxing,
natural hair styling, esthetics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL
may submit satisfactory evidence of licensure to practice an equivalent
occupation issued by any other state, territory, protectorate or depend-
ency of the United States or any other country in lieu of the evidence
of schooling and examination required by this subdivision, provided that
such license was granted in compliance with standards which were, in the
judgment of the secretary, not lower than those of this state and
provided that such state, territory, protectorate, dependency, or coun-
try extends similar reciprocity to the licensees of this state, or the
applicant practiced an equivalent occupation in such state, territory,
protectorate, dependency or country for a minimum of five years, or the
applicant is a member of the household of a member of the armed forces
of the United States, national guard or reserves and was a member of
such household before such member relocated to the state.
d. Notwithstanding the educational requirements of this section and
the testing requirements of this section, an applicant who otherwise has
met the licensing requirements of this article for a nail specialist,
waxer, natural hair stylist, esthetician [or], cosmetologist OR LASER
HAIR REMOVAL TECHNICIAN who shall provide satisfactory evidence [he or
she] THAT SUCH APPLICANT has been actively and continuously engaged in
the practice of nail specialty, waxing, natural hair styling, esthetics
or cosmetology for at least one year prior to the effective date of this
article, OR WITH RESPECT TO AN APPLICANT FOR LICENSURE AS A LASER HAIR
REMOVAL TECHNICIAN, ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CHAPTER
OF THE LAWS OF TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FIVE WHICH AMENDED THIS PARAGRAPH,
may be issued a license for nail specialty, waxing, natural hair styl-
ing, esthetics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL pursuant to this
article, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, LASER HAIR REMOVAL TECHNICIANS SHALL SATIS-
FACTORILY COMPLETE THE COMPETENCY EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT
PURSUANT TO SECTION FOUR HUNDRED FOUR-D OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW.
Notwithstanding the educational and testing requirements of this
section, a person licensed to practice barbering under article twenty-
eight of this chapter who otherwise has met the licensing requirements
of this article may be issued a license to practice natural hairstyling.
Other than applicants licensed under article twenty-eight of this chap-
ter, those persons who apply after a twelve month period from the effec-
tive date of this article will be required to provide evidence of train-
ing and to take the examination or examinations as required for other
licenses pursuant to this article.
A. 1916--A 5
e. Upon acceptance by the secretary of a proper application for an
operator's license to practice nail [speciality] SPECIALTY, waxing,
natural hair styling, esthetics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL,
the secretary may issue a temporary operator's license which shall
expire six months from issuance. Upon good cause shown, the secretary
may renew a temporary operator's license for one additional six-month
period upon filing the appropriate application and fee.
§ 8. Subdivision 1 of section 407 of the general business law, as
amended by chapter 255 of the laws of 1999, is amended to read as
follows:
1. The examinations for the license to practice natural hair styling,
esthetics, nail specialty [and], cosmetology AND LASER HAIR REMOVAL
shall be practical and written. The examinations for the license to
practice waxing shall be limited to a written examination only. The
secretary shall determine reasonable standards of performance for each
license and shall evaluate the prospective applicants and applicants on
the basis of such standards. The objectives of the examinations shall be
to insure that prospective applicants and applicants have sufficient
basic skills to safeguard the health and safety of the public and to
insure that prospective applicants and applicants have attained adequate
levels of skill to competently engage in the activities authorized by
the license.
§ 9. Subdivision 1 of section 409 of the general business law, as
amended by section 2 of part Y of chapter 60 of the laws of 2011, is
amended to read as follows:
1. The non-refundable fee for an application for a license to engage
in the practice of nail specialty, waxing, natural hair styling, esthet-
ics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL, shall be forty dollars
initially and for each renewal thereof the fee shall be forty dollars;
the fee for a temporary license and each renewal shall be ten dollars.
§ 10. Paragraph a of subdivision 2 of section 410 of the general busi-
ness law, as amended by chapter 80 of the laws of 2015, is amended to
read as follows:
a. The secretary may issue an order directing the cessation of any
activity related to nail specialty, waxing, natural hair styling,
esthetics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL for which a license is
required by this article upon a determination that a person, partner-
ship, limited liability company or business corporation, engaging in the
business or occupation of, or holding [himself, herself or itself] A
PERSON, PARTNERSHIP, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY OR BUSINESS CORPORATION
out as or acted, temporarily or otherwise, as a nail specialist, natural
hair stylist, esthetician [or], cosmetologist OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL
TECHNICIAN within this state without a valid license being in effect.
The secretary shall, before making such determination and order, afford
such person, partnership, limited liability company or business corpo-
ration an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel in reference
thereto in an adjudicatory proceeding held pursuant to section four
hundred eleven of this article as applicable.
§ 11. Subdivision 1 of section 412 of the general business law, as
amended by chapter 80 of the laws of 2015, is amended to read as
follows:
1. The practice of nail specialty, waxing, natural hair styling,
esthetics [or], cosmetology OR LASER HAIR REMOVAL without a license or
while under suspension or revocation, or in violation of an order
directing the cessation of unlicensed activity issued by the secretary
pursuant to section four hundred ten or four hundred eleven of this
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article, is a violation and is subject to a civil penalty of up to five
hundred dollars for the first violation; one thousand dollars for a
second such violation; and two thousand five hundred dollars for a third
violation and any subsequent violation.
§ 12. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a
law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any
rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its
effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such
effective date.