Carbondale Reporter

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) has garnered unanimous House support for his legislation aimed at tackling the shortage in the barber trade in Illinois. The bill, known as HB 4570, was proposed to Severin by a former cosmetology teacher at Rend Lake College.

"A constituent of mine who has been teaching barber and cosmetology classes for more than 30 years was looking to get a cross-classification into a different specialty teaching, but was told that in order to get that new specialty license, she would have to take the classes that she was teaching," said Severin.

Severin highlighted that the current law did not recognize the extensive teaching experience of individuals like the cosmetology teacher. He emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "This is a common sense measure that allows someone that has already earned a cosmetology license and has taught to count the barber education they received toward their goal of becoming a barber."

Expressing gratitude for the support of his colleagues, Severin remarked, "I am thankful for this measure being brought to me and for my House colleagues for recognizing the need for more barbers in Illinois. This bill is a small but important step forward in addressing the current shortage."

The bill, HB 4570, will now progress to the Illinois Senate for further consideration. Interested individuals can track its progress on ILGA.gov.