A provision in SB2566 removes a financial barrier to entry for new licensees—and could reshape hiring and recruitment for your salon.
Most salon and barbershop owners in Mississippi don't realize that a recent change to state licensing law has quietly lowered the cost of entry for new cosmetology licensees. Buried in SB2566, a bill revising various provisions of the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, is a fee waiver that eliminates the $50 initial license application fee entirely for applicants who qualify as low-income.
For small salons and barbershops—especially those in rural areas or working-class neighborhoods—this provision could meaningfully expand your recruitment pool and reduce barriers for employees or sponsored applicants seeking their first license.
Section 16 of SB2566 amends Section 73-7-29 of the Mississippi Code, which governs the fee schedule for the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The change eliminates the $50 fee that would normally be charged to an applicant filing for an initial cosmetology license—but only for those who meet the board's low-income qualification criteria.
This is not a discount or a partial reduction. It is a complete waiver of that specific fee for eligible applicants.
The provision took effect upon passage of the act. There is no sunset date specified for this particular waiver, meaning it remains in effect unless the legislature acts to repeal it. The act itself, however, is set to repeal on June 30, 2028, unless extended.
The fee waiver applies to applicants seeking their initial cosmetology license. It does not cover renewal fees or licenses in other disciplines (such as barbering or esthetics), though the board's fee schedule for those categories may have separate provisions.
For salon owners, the practical impact is straightforward: applicants from lower-income backgrounds now face one fewer financial hurdle when pursuing licensure. If you recruit or sponsor new stylists, this removal of the $50 barrier may make it easier to attract candidates who might otherwise delay or abandon the licensing process due to upfront costs.
For applicants themselves, the waiver reduces the total cost of entry into a licensed profession, which can be significant when combined with training, exam fees, and other expenses.
The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering will determine what qualifies as "low-income" for purposes of this waiver. If you are recruiting or advising potential applicants, you may want to contact the board directly to understand the specific income thresholds and documentation required to claim the waiver.
This provision is part of a broader bill revising multiple aspects of cosmetology and barbering regulation in Mississippi. Other sections of SB2566 may affect licensing requirements, continuing education, or board procedures—areas worth reviewing if you employ or train licensed professionals.
For a more detailed breakdown of how this change may affect your hiring or training decisions, industry associations and the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering can provide guidance specific to your business model.
Source: Mississippi SB2566, Section 16 (amending Section 73-7-29); effective upon passage.