Comments: IL HB0788 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly

Illinois House Bill 788

Bill Title: Creates the Textured Hair Licensing Act. Provides for the licensure of cirrologists, cirrology schools, and cirrology teachers. Defines cirrology as the distinct, nonchemical field of professional study and practice dedicated to the care, treatment, maintenance, styling, preservation, and management of textured hair and scalp health through culturally informed, health-centered, and nonchemical methods. Provides that the primary pathway to licensure as a licensed cirrologist shall be successful completion of a licensed cirrology school program consisting of not less than 600 clock hours of instruction and supervised practical training in the required areas of study established under the Act. Provides for an apprenticeship pathway to licensure if the applicant meets certain requirements. Provides the license renewal requirements for licensed cirrologists. Provides that during an 18-month transition period, any person holding an active Illinois hair braider license in good standing shall be eligible for automatic transition into the corresponding cirrology licensure category for renewal purposes. Establishes a cirrology apprenticeship program that operates through a 3-way partnership among: (1) an approved apprenticeship partner that provides related instruction, educational support, or pre-apprenticeship preparation; (2) an approved partner employer that provides paid on-the-job training and workplace experience; and (3) a supervising licensed cirrologist or licensed cirrology teacher responsible for oversight of practical training and competency development. Provides the license renewal requirements for licensed cirrology teachers. Establishes the Board of Cirrology within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Sets forth the membership of the Board and powers and duties of the Board. Sets forth provisions concerning the scope of practice of cirrology; prohibited acts and excluded services; title protection; qualifications for licensure; continuing education; the registration of cirrology shops; powers and duties of the Department; discipline of licensees; and transfer of hair braiding regulation. Provides that all hair braider license expiration and renewal dates of October 31 for even-numbered years shall automatically apply to the corresponding cirrology license category during the transition period until superseded by law or rule adopted under the Act. Provides limitations to transition requirements adopted under a specific provision of the Act. Establishes an 18-month transition period during which the Department shall implement the Act in a manner that preserves continuity of lawful practice, instruction, school operation, continuing education activity, business operation, renewal, and public protection. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides that the Textured Hair Licensing Act is repealed January 1, 2031. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Changes the short title to the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 and changes corresponding references to the Act throughout the statutes. Repeals provisions concerning hair braiding licenses, and removes references to licensed hair braiding throughout the Act. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately, except that the changes to the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 and the corresponding changes throughout the statutes are effective 18 months after becoming law.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2026-05-21 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Mary Beth Canty [HB0788 Detail]

Text: Latest bill text (Engrossed) [HTML]