Bill would harmonize barber school requirements

A bill that would update Nebraska barber laws to align with federal financial aid requirements was heard March 2 by the Health and Human Services Committee.

LB842, introduced by Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar, would require a high school diploma or GED prior to admittance to a barber school if the school operates as a postsecondary barber college. Haar said the change is required by the U.S. Department of Education.

“This is important because it enables barber students to be eligible for financial aid through federal programs,” he said.

The bill also would allow the state barber board to continue to authorize licensed barber schools at the non-postsecondary level.

Ken Allen of the Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners testified in support of the bill, saying it would allow the state’s barber college to continue to provide students with financial aid.

In addition, he said, authorizing licensure at the non-postsecondary level would allow the potential for a barber school within the state’s correctional system without requiring federal accreditation.

No opposition testimony was offered and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.