February 9, 2026 Minutes - Maryland State Board of Barbers

Monday, February 9, 2026

A meeting of the State Board of Barbers was held Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in-person at 100 S. Charles Street, Baltimore. Maryland, and via teleconference.

Board Member Attendees

Mr. Larry Franklin - Chairperson
Mr. Andrew Campbell - Industry Member
Mr. Wade Menendez - Industry Member Absent
Ms. Toni Wallace - Industry Member
Mr. Channing Trent- Industry Member Absent
Ms. Lanine Swann, Consumer Member
Ms. Yasmine Young- Consumer 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- Continuing Education Coordinator

Agenda

Quorum Announced, and Meeting Called to Order

A quorum was announced by Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher and the meeting was called to order at 10:04 A.M.

Approval of Agenda

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher first requested a motion to amend the agenda to correct the date listed to February 9, 2026. Chairperson Larry Franklin made a motion to amend the agenda with the correct date, the motion was seconded by Ms. Yasmine Young and then unanimously approved. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher then requested a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Toni Wallace made a motion to approve the agenda as amended, which was seconded by Mr. Andrew Campbell, and the agenda was unanimously approved.

Approval of December 8, 2025 Minutes

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher asked for a motion to approve the December 8, 2025, meeting minutes. A motion was made by Ms. Toni Wallace to approve the minutes, seconded by Mr. Andrew Campbell and the motion unanimously passed.

New Business

A. RECAP OF DECEMBER 8, 2025 MEETING

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher opened New Business by providing a recap of December’s Board meeting. A large portion of the meeting was centered around discussing different regulatory changes that could be considered during the upcoming legislative session. There were no votes or action taken, and those interested in the details of the conversation may view last month’s minutes which are posted online. The Inspection Summary was provided, and there were no curricula approvals to announce.

B. COMAR REVIEW COMMITTEE

During December’s meeting Board members expressed interest in establishing a COMAR review subcommittee, with the goal of identifying any outdated or unclear regulations so that they may be brought to the Board for potential revision. Legal Counsel Ms. Peggy Dall’Acqua confirmed that the subcommittee could be no more than 3 members, to avoid establishing a quorum. Board members Ms. Toni Wallace, Ms. Yasmine Young, and Mr. Andrew Campbell each nominated themselves to be a part of the COMAR Review Committee. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher then asked for a motion to appoint Ms. Toni Wallace to the COMAR Review Committee. A motion was made by Chairperson Mr. Larry Franklin, and seconded by Mr. Andrew Campbell. Ms. Fletcher then asked for a motion to appoint Ms. Yasmine Young to the COMAR Review Committee. A motion was made by Ms. Lanine Swann, and seconded by Mr. Larry Franklin. Finally, Ms. Fletcher asked for a motion to appoint Mr. Andrew Campbell to the COMAR Review Committee. A motion was made by Chairperson Ms. Toni Wallace, and seconded by Ms. Yasmine Young. Board members then voted unanimously in favor of appointing each of the three nominated Board members to the COMAR Review Committee.

C. ADVICE COUNSEL UPDATE

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher announced that due to internal restructuring, Advice Counsel Kenneth Sigman will no longer be serving the Board of Barbers. Mr. Sigman had worked with the Board for about two and a half years, and his role will be filled by Ms. Peggy Dall’Acqua. Ms. Dall’Acqua spoke briefly to share some about her background, as well as her excitement about taking on a new role. Ms. Fletcher added that Ms. Dall’Acqua has been in her new position for about two months, and has already been a great asset to the team.

D. CREDENTIAL SERVICES - FOREIGN RECIPROCITY

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher introduced the agenda item offering insight that foreign reciprocity certifications can sometimes be difficult for the administrative team to verify. It was further explained to Board members that they could vote to require applicants with foreign credentials to submit certification of their foreign credentials prepared by a company that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services before they are eligible to apply for examination. All foreign reciprocity applicants must sit for a theory and a practical exam in order to become licensed, which is a requirement written into statute that can not be waived. Requiring credential certifications from a NACES member would provide additional assurance of the validity and sufficiency of foreign credentials because NACES has rigorous membership standards. Ms. Fletcher then clarified for Ms. Toni Wallace that the Maryland Board of Barbers itself would not be a member of NACES but would have a working relationship with member organizations. Applicants would submit their credentials for review at their own expense, and the resulting verification would be directed to the Board’s administrative team. Ms. Toni Wallace then made a motion to approve the Board of Barbers to use organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services to validate foreign documentation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Andrew Campbell and then unanimously approved. Ms. Fletcher followed up stating that an effective date is to be determined, and will be communicated once established.

E. DV TRAINING - NEW PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATE SUBMISSION

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher began by reminding those on the call about the Domestic Violence Awareness training, that as of January 1, 2026 is a one time requirement for initial licensure and current licensees to complete as a condition of renewal. Instructions for individuals regarding proof of completion are available on the Board of Barber’s website. Certificates should be submitted by emailing a copy of the certificate to bctraining.verification@marylandgov. Licensees should be sure to include their full name, license type, and registration number if applicable in the body of the email. For those that are not yet licensed, be sure to clearly indicate that in the submission. Licensees and applicants for licensure are required to retain a copy of the certificate should there be board verification or audit requested. More information about the bill is listed on the website, including a list of approved course providers which licensees may choose from. Interested course providers continue to apply, and the list will be updated as they are approved.

Old Business

A. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

i. Legislative Session 2026 - Current Bills

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher stated that the Maryland General Assembly is currently in its legislative session, and there are a few bills worth mentioning that may not directly affect the Board of Cosmetologists, but the department as a whole. These bills include:

SB133: 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.

SB242: Authorizing active service members and spouses, under certain circumstances, to practice in the State under an occupational or professional license issued in another jurisdiction; and altering the definition of "eligible veteran" for purposes of certain provisions of law governing occupational or professional licensing processes to include former service members who have been discharged for more than 1 year before an application for a license, certificate, or registration is submitted.

SB150: Authorizing the Department of the Environment, the Department of General Services, and units in the Maryland Department of Labor to include a notation on public profiles of licensees, certificate holders, and security identification card holders indicating that the individual is a veteran.

SB301: Authorizing certain governmental entities to waive certain fees imposed by statute for veterans; and requiring certain governmental entities to adopt regulations before waiving certain fees imposed by statute for veterans.

SB243: Applying certain provisions of law regarding priority registration at public institutions of higher education, resources and support at community colleges, senatorial and Delegate scholarships, and preferences in hiring by the Public Service Commission to the spouses of active service members and veterans, etc.

HB131: Clarifying that refusal by a person to disclose information about criminal charges that have been expunged may not be the sole reason for a unit, an official, or an employee of the State or a political subdivision of the State to deny the person's application for a license, permit, registration, or governmental service; providing that refusal by a person to disclose information about criminal charges that have been expunged may not be the sole reason for an educational institution to expel or refuse to admit the person; etc.

HB179: Requiring the Department of Commerce to create and maintain a complaint portal for reporting when a governmental unit takes longer than 60 days to process an application for a license, form, certificate, certification, permit, or registration for a business or nonprofit organization; and requiring the Department, by September 15, 2026, and each September 15 thereafter, to submit an annual report to certain committees of the General Assembly on the complaints filed through the portal.

HB516: Requiring the Maryland Department of Labor to establish certain procedures for receiving, reviewing, and investigating certain complaints regarding matters under the jurisdiction of the Department; requiring the Department to employ one investigators for each of five regions of the State to investigate complaints; and requiring, beginning fiscal year 2027, the Governor to include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $500,000 for the hiring of five investigators.

HB557: Providing that "department" does not include the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for purposes of certain provisions prohibiting a department from refusing to issue an occupational license or certificate based on a certain conviction under certain circumstances; establishing a predetermination review process for occupational licenses and certificates in certain departments of State government; authorizing a department to charge a criminal history review fee of up to $100; etc.

Ms. Fletcher concluded by stating that new bills continue to be introduced, and she will provide updates for those impacting the Board as they become available.

B. CURRICULUM APPROVAL

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher announced the curriculum approval for Executive Barber Academy. The school was approved for Barber and Limited Barber Stylist curricula.

C. INSPECTION SUMMARY

Licensing Supervisor Ms. Leslie Braxton provided an Inspection Summary for today's meeting. The data was collected from December 1, 2025 - February 6, 2026.

16 New shop applications received

1 New shops pending inspections - to be assigned

0 Complaints received

0 Complaints - open / to be assigned

1 Complaints - inspections completed

42 Inspections conducted

15 Inspections passed

15 Inspections failed

1 Failed - new shop inspections

7 Failed - late renewal inspections

1 Failed - complaint

3 Failed - per board inspections

5 Failed - routine inspections

3 Closed at time of inspection

9 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

Eric Julius Frazier - Mr. Frazier joined the meeting to ask about a specific situation that he is in. Mr. Frazier was initially licensed in New York and has been a Senior Cosmetologist in Maryland for many years. He then decided to complete a barbering apprenticeship so that he could obtain that license and use a straight razor. Mr. Frazier also is passionate about teaching the next generation and asked if there was any way around the 15 month work experience requirement for him to test to become a Master Barber, which would allow him to sponsor apprentices. Industry Member Ms. Toni Wallace was understanding of the situation, however, she explained that these requirements are written into statute and must go through the legislative process in order to be changed. Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher then added that the law is ultimately passed by the Maryland General Assembly, and regardless of the Board of Barber’s stance on the law, their role is to enforce it. Advice Counsel Ms. Peggy Dall’Acqua further explained that each of the statutes governing the industry in Maryland began as bills, went through the legislative process, and then were passed by the Maryland General Assembly. Assistant Executive Director Ms. Breona Scott then reiterated that the 15 month requirement to test for a Master Barber license is written into statute, and would require a statutory change and would have to be pushed back to a future legislative session.

Adjournment

Executive Director Ms. Nicole Fletcher requested a motion to call the meeting to adjournment at 11:09 A.M. Ms. Toni Wallace made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Larry Franklin, and the motion unanimously passed.

APPROVED BY: ___________

on April 13, 2026.