Minutes April 6, 2026 -Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Meeting - Cosmetologists

Monday, April 6, 2026

A meeting of the State Board of Cosmetologists was held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. via teleconference.

Board Member Attendees

Ms. Lisa Ennis, Chairperson
Ms. April Kenney, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Kelly Canty, Consumer Member
Mr. Maurice Fains, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Katrina Lee, Esthetician Member Absent
Ms. Kyra Jones, School Member
Vacant, Cosmetologist Member

Other Staff Attendees

Ms. Nicole Fletcher, Executive Director
Ms. Breona Scott, Assistant Executive Director
Ms. Leslie Braxton, Licensing Supervisor
Mr. Jacob Guy, Board Administrator
Ms. Peggy Dall'Acqua, Advice Counsel
Ms. Renee Robertson, Education Coordinator

Agenda and Minutes

Quorum Announced, and Meeting Called to Order

A quorum was announced by Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis and the meeting was called to order at 10:02 AM.

Approval of Agenda

Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion for approval of the April 6, 2026 agenda. Ms. April Kenney made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Kelly Canty, and the amended agenda was unanimously approved.

Approval of March 2, 2026, Minutes

Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion to approve the minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting. A motion was made by Ms. April Kenney to approve the previous Board meeting minutes which was seconded by Ms. Kelly Canty, and the motion unanimously passed.

New Business

A. RECAP OF MARCH 2, 2026 ΜΕΕTING

Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis provided a brief recap of the March Board meeting. Last month Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher informed everyone that both the Eyelash Extension License regulations and the Esthetician Regulations went into effect March 2, 2026. Ms. Fletcher also announced HB1025 which is intended to clean up some of the language so that testing for a Limited Eyelash Extension license cannot be misinterpreted as optional. Lastly, Ms. Fletcher confirmed that the Board would be moving forward with the temporary Eyelash Extension license and it is expected to be made available to applicants between April 2026 and December 31, 2026.

B. TEMPORARY EYELASH TECHNICIAN APPLICATION

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher confirmed that the Temporary Eyelash Technician license was made available April 1, 2026. It was further clarified that this license is intended for individuals who solely provide eyelash extension services. It essentially allows a grace period for those providing services to continue operating while they make the necessary arrangements to become fully licensed. Ms. Fletcher added that previously introduced SB1044 added eyelash extension services to the scope of practice for licensed estheticians. Individuals who hold a Limited Esthetician, Cosmetologist, or Senior Cosmetologist license would be grandfathered in, and are not required to obtain any additional licensure to provide eyelash extension services. The temporary license will be allowed a single one year renewal. Several curricula have been submitted to the Board for approval, and these programs will also require approval from MHEC. The application for the temporary license is fairly straightforward, simply requiring personal identifying information and an $11 fee.

C. GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT RULE

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher provided a recap of a recent call with the Mid‑Atlantic Association of Career Schools (MAACS) about the federal Gainful Employment Rule. The discussion focused on the U.S. Department of Education’s proposal to expand its earnings‑based metric to non‑degree programs such as cosmetology and barbering. Some of the concerns expressed include that the metric does not reflect the realities of these professions, which often involve tip‑based income, gradual client‑building, and flexible or part‑time work. They also noted that comparing graduates to high school earners over different time windows creates an uneven standard. It is feared that the proposal could jeopardize financial aid eligibility for cosmetology and barbering programs, threatening school viability and limiting access to training. Individuals who want to engage on the issue are encouraged to request template letters from MAACS to communicate with policymakers. These templates are meant as guides, and personalized messages are strongly recommended for greater impact. Ms. Fletcher encouraged Board members to further research the Bill if they are interested or have questions, as today’s discussion was purely informational.

C. APPRENTICESHIP RESTART

Apprenticeship Coordinator Jacob Guy began by introducing Ms. Zakiya LeGrande-Rodriguez. Ms. LeGrande-Rodriguez was a licensed Apprentice Limited Nail Technician from March 2025 - March 2026. Ms. LeGrande-Rodriguez had contacted the Board about halfway through her apprenticeship inquiring about changing sponsors. Ms. LeGrande-Rodriguez went through the process to make that switch, however, with 0 months of training credit recorded at the time, there was not enough time for her to earn the necessary 8 months of credit before her license expired. Ms. LeGrande-Rodriguez continued to train under the supervision of her new sponsor knowing that she would have to petition the Board to restart this month. Ms. LeGrande-Rodriguez told the Board that the environment at her previous work location was not conducive to her learning style and not the right fit for her. Furthermore, she explained that her training with her new sponsor has been going very well, and regardless of the law not allowing any previously earned credit to transfer, Ms. LeGrande-Rodriguez is very enthusiastic about continuing her training. Several Board members including Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis and Ms. April Kenney were thrilled to hear that Ms. LeGrande-Rodriguez was able to find the right fit for her. Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis then requested a motion to approve the Apprenticeship Restart for Ms. Zakiya Legrande-Rodriguez. A motion was made by Ms. April Kenney which was seconded by Ms. Kelly Canty, and the motion unanimously passed.

Old Business

A. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher reminded everyone of HB1025 which is intended to clarify that passing a theory and practical exam is a requirement in order to obtain Limited Eyelash Extension licensure. HB1025 is written to explicitly state that requirements for licensure include both 100 training hours, and the successful completion of a theory and practical examination. The bill is currently in the referral to Committee stage.

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher added that the Sunset Bill (SB241) is also currently in the referral to Committee stage.

SB241: Continuing the State Board of Barbers, the State Board of Cosmetologists, the State Board for Professional Land Surveyors, the State Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors, and the State Board of Individual Tax Preparers in accordance with the provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act (sunset law) by extending to July 1, 2032, the termination provisions relating to the statutory and regulatory authority of the boards and commission; etc.

B. ESTHETICIAN SOP UPDATE

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher stated that a draft of esthetic services scope of practice has been created and is awaiting final approval. The Board is coordinating with various Boards under the Department of Health to ensure that the permitted services do not contradict or violate any of their existing regulations. With frequent inquiries about esthetics scope of practice, Ms. Fletcher stated that she is hopeful the document will be ready for a final vote by May’s Board meeting.

C. CONTINUING EDUCATION OPEN ENROLLMENT

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher announced that continuing education provider open enrollment is now open, and will continue until May 1, 2026. Prospective providers should download the application from the Board’s education webpage, and submit a typed application mailed with the corresponding fee in the form of check or money order. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. All materials should be mailed to the Board of Cosmetologists at 100 South Charles St Tower 1 Baltimore, MD 21201. Applicants should review all eligibility criteria and instructions online and may direct any remaining questions to the Board’s administrative team.

D. INSPECTION SUMMARY

Licensing Supervisor Ms. Leslie Braxton provided an Inspection Summary for today's meeting. The data was collected from February 25, 2026 - April 1, 2026.

47 New shop applications received

24 New shops pending inspections - to be assigned

3 Complaints received

2 Complaints - open / to be assigned

2 Complaints - inspections completed

101 Inspections conducted

44 Inspections passed

46 Inspections failed

6 Failed - new shop inspections

0 Failed - late renewal inspections

0 Failed - complaint

3 Failed - per board inspections

37 Failed - routine inspections

6 Closed at time of inspection

5 Permanently Closed

1 Full Time Inspectors Currently on Staff (conducts inspections 5 days/week)

3 Per diem Inspectors Currently on Staff (conducts inspections 1 days/week)

Public Comment

Bonnie Davis: Ms. Davis asked for some clarity about the apprenticeship program for cosmetologists, and specifically if apprentices are considered employees. In response, both Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher and Assistant Director Ms. Breona Scott explained to Ms. Davis that every salon handles the apprenticeship program a little bit differently. When it comes to monetary arrangements, the Board does not get involved. It is important to understand that an apprentice is not considered an employee. Because regulations do not outline specific requirements for compensation, it is strongly encouraged that both parties put all expectations in writing. A clear contract protects the apprentice and the sponsor, and helps avoid misunderstandings about pay, commissions, responsibilities, or training expectations. The Board often receives calls from apprentices who believe they are owed payment or commissions, and without regulations governing these issues, the Board cannot intervene. This makes a written agreement crucial. Apprentices work under the license and supervision of their sponsor and if a salon chooses to pay an apprentice or have them receive tips, that is allowed. If a salon chooses not to pay an apprentice, that is also allowed. These decisions should be discussed and agreed upon between the sponsor and the apprentice. Ms. Scott added that apprentices are not permitted to pay booth rent or operate as an independent contractor.

Courtney Hare: Ms. Hare inquired about language in COMAR regarding Continuing Education requirements that have been altered. Specifically, Ms. Hare asked for clarification if required topics for Continuing Education credit demands “at least” 2 hours or exactly 2 hours. In response Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher stated that licensees should be taking exactly 2 hours of Continuing Education credit in required topics. These required topics are: Health, Safety, Welfare, and Board Laws/Regulations. Ms. Fletcher went on to say that the department is actively adjusting to come into compliance with ADA standards and accessibility laws, and some documents/language could be slightly altered as a result.

Sajai Cherkaoui: Ms. Cherkaoui first noted that the Domestic Violence Awareness training provider criteria was no longer listed on the Board’s website. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher reiterated that all website content is under accessibility review and stated that no content on that document has been altered. Ms. Fletcher added that she would follow up with the IT department to determine how to go about getting the document re-posted. Next, Ms. Cherkaoui inquired about requirements for instructors facilitating course work for Domestic Violence Awareness training. Ms. Fletcher responded that the bill does not offer many specifics in regards to who can teach the curriculum. While it may be beneficial for the instructor to hold some type of certification or relevant background experience, it is not a requirement. Lastly, Ms. Cherkaoui inquired about offering a Domestic Violence Awareness refresher training as a Continuing Education course in the future. Ms. Fletcher stated that such a course could be provided as a required topic, given that the provider was approved as a Continuing Education provider, which is a separate approval process from the Domestic Violence Awareness training.

Marriah Jones: Ms. Jones spoke at April’s meeting to ask about any further clarification that could be offered about Eyelash Technician exam requirements. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher replied stating that a Test Taker Guide for Eyelash Technician applicants now exists and is available on PSI’s website. Ms. Jones’ follow up question was about any accessibility accommodations or requirements that training/education providers must uphold. Ms. Fletcher stated that there are no requirements written into law, but that it could not hurt to make such materials fully accessible and available to anyone who may require special accommodations.

Adjournment

Chairperson Ms. Lisa Ennis requested a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 A.M. Ms. April Kenney made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Kelly Canty, and then was unanimously approved.

APPROVED BY:_______

on May 4, 2026.