Nail technology, body art changes advance

A bill that would make several changes to state law regulating nail technology and tattoo artists advanced from general file Feb. 11.

LB607, introduced last year by Sen. Mark Kolterman of Seward, would:
• create a three-day license for a “guest body artist” enabling him or her to work at a licensed tattoo establishment or under a licensed body artist;
• create the position of nail technology apprentice and allow an apprentice to work under a licensed nail technologist;
• update the definition of cosmetic tattooing;
• add “natural nail” treatment—work done on a person’s nails without adding to the nail—to the definition of manicuring; and
• allow the Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology and Body Art to administer licensing exams in multiple languages.

Kolterman said the bill was intended to update state law at the request of the Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology and Body Art. The guest body artist designation would allow out-of-state tattoo artists to come to Nebraska, he said.

Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte opposed the bill, saying it wasn’t necessary.

“It’s going to drive up the cost,” Groene said.

A Health and Human Services Committee technical amendment was adopted 29-0 and the bill advanced to select file on a vote of 25-1.