# Business Occupations and Professions (GBO) ## Title 4. Barbers ### Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions #### Section 4-101 (a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Apprentice barber" means an individual who, under the supervision of a master barber, is learning to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services in a barbershop that holds a barbershop permit. (c) "Barber" means an individual who practices barbering. (d) "Barber-stylist" means an individual who provides barber-stylist services. (e) (1) "Barbershop" means any commercial establishment, except a beauty salon, in which an individual practices barbering or provides barber-stylist services. (2) "Barbershop" includes a mobile barbershop. (3) "Barbershop" does not include a clinic in a barber school. (f) "Barbershop permit" means a permit issued by the Board to operate a barbershop. (g) "Board" means the State Board of Barbers. (h) (1) "License" means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services. (2) "License" includes, unless the context requires otherwise, each of the following licenses: (i) a master barber license; (ii) a barber license; and (iii) a barber-stylist limited license. (i) (1) "Limited license" means a license issued by the Board to practice barbering as limited in Sec. 4-301 of this title. (2) "Limited license" includes, unless the context requires otherwise, a limited license to provide barber-stylist services. (j) "Master barber" means a barber who: (1) has at least 15 months experience as a licensed barber; and (2) has passed a test approved by the Board. (k) "Mobile barbershop" means a barbershop that is located in a motor vehicle or a trailer that is designed, constructed, and equipped as a place for an individual to practice barbering and for use as a conveyance on highways. (l) (1) "Practice barbering" means to provide to an individual for compensation the service of: (i) cutting, razor cutting, styling, relaxing, body waving, shampooing, or coloring the hair; (ii) shaving or trimming the beard; (iii) massaging the face; (iv) designing, fitting, or cutting a hairpiece; or (v) performing any other similar procedure on the hair, beard, face, or hairpiece of the individual. (2) "Practice barbering" does not include: (i) the mere sale of wigs or hairpieces; or (ii) the services performed by an employee under the supervision of a master barber in a barbershop that holds a barbershop permit that are restricted to: (1) shampooing; (2) removal of a hair solution; (3) sterilization of equipment; or (4) similar activities. (m) "Provide barber-stylist services" means to provide to an individual for compensation the service of: (1) cutting, razor cutting, or styling the hair; (2) shaving or trimming the beard; (3) massaging the face; or (4) performing any other similar procedure on the hair, beard, or face of the individual. #### Section 4-102 This title does not prohibit an individual who is authorized to practice cosmetology under Title 5 of this article from practicing cosmetology. ### Subtitle 2. State Board of Barbers #### Section 4-201 There is a State Board of Barbers in the Department. #### Section 4-202 (a) (1) The Board consists of 7 members. (2) Of the 7 members of the Board: (i) 5 shall be master barbers; and (ii) 2 shall be consumer members. (3) The Governor shall appoint the members with the advice of the Secretary. (b) Each master barber member of the Board shall have practiced barbering in the State continuously for at least 5 years before appointment. (c) Each consumer member of the Board: (1) shall be a member of the general public; (2) may not be a licensee or otherwise be subject to regulation by the Board; (3) may not be required to meet the qualifications for the professional members of the Board; and (4) may not, within 1 year before appointment, have had a financial interest in or have received compensation from a person regulated by the Board. (d) While a member of the Board, a consumer member may not: (1) have a financial interest in or receive compensation from a person regulated by the Board; or (2) grade any examination given by or for the Board. (e) Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, Sec. 9 of the Maryland Constitution. (f) (1) The term of a member is 5 years and begins on July 1. (2) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 1989. (3) A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms. (4) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (5) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (g) (1) The Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a member shall be considered to have resigned if the member did not attend at least two-thirds of the Board meetings held during any consecutive 12-month period while the member was serving on the Board. (3) The Governor may waive a member's resignation and allow the member to continue serving if the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor and the reasons are made public. (4) In accordance with Sec. 8-501 of the State Government Article, the president shall provide notice to the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a successor. #### Section 4-203 From among the members of the Board, the Governor shall appoint a president, treasurer, and secretary. #### Section 4-204 (a) A majority of the authorized membership of the Board is a quorum. (b) The Board shall determine the times and places of its meetings. (c) Subject to the State budget, each member of the Board is entitled to: (1) a reasonable fee set by the Board for each day on which the member is engaged in the duties of office; and (2) reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations. (d) The Board may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget. #### Section 4-205 (a) On request of any person and payment of a certification fee set by the Board, the Board shall certify the licensing, registration, or permit status and qualifications of any person who is the subject of the request. (b) Each certification under this section: (1) shall include a statement of the licensing, registration, or permit status of the person who is the subject of the request; and (2) may include: (i) information about the examination results and other qualifications of that person; (ii) information about the dates of issuance and renewal of the license, registration, or permit of that person; (iii) information about any disciplinary action taken against that person; and (iv) if authorized by that person, information about any complaint against that person. (c) The Board shall collect the certification fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this subtitle for each certification under this section. #### Section 4-206 (a) In addition to any powers set forth elsewhere, the Board may adopt any regulation to carry out this title. (b) (1) The Board shall adopt regulations that establish detailed curriculum standards for use by the State Board of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission in approving applications for instruction in the practice of barbering and the provision of barber-stylist services at public schools or private career schools. (2) The curriculum standards established under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall: (i) incorporate modern methods and practices for the practice of barbering and the provision of barber-stylist services; (ii) include a reference to each topic and the emphasis of each topic required of a comprehensive barbering and barber-stylist curriculum; and (iii) be reviewed and updated periodically as determined by the Board. (c) In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, the Board shall administer and enforce this title. #### Section 4-207 (a) (1) Except for the examination fees that the Board shall establish in amounts not to exceed the costs of the examinations, the Board may set by regulation reasonable fees for its services, including application fees, licensing fees, license renewal fees, license reinstatement fees, certification fees, permit fees, permit renewal fees, inspection fees, and any other fees necessary for the Board to carry out the provisions of this title. (2) The fees charged shall be: (i) set so as to produce funds to approximate the cost of maintaining the Board; and (ii) based on the calculations performed by the Secretary under Sec. 2-106.10 of the Business Regulation Article. (b) The Board shall publish a schedule of fees set by the Board. (c) (1) The Board shall pay all fees collected under this title to the Comptroller. (2) The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the State Barbers and Cosmetologists Boards' Fund established in Sec. 2-106.9 of the Business Regulation Article. #### Section 4-208 (a) Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board in a contested case, as defined in Sec. 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in Sec.Sec. 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article. (b) The Board may appeal from a decision of the circuit court. #### Section 4-209 The Board exercises its powers, duties, and functions subject to the authority of the Secretary. ### Subtitle 3. Licenses #### Section 4-301 (a) Except as otherwise provided in this title or Sec.Sec. 10-14A-03 and 10-14B-03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board to practice barbering before the individual may practice barbering in the State. (b) If an individual holds the appropriate barber-stylist limited license, the individual may practice barbering in a manner limited to providing barber-stylist services. (c) This section does not apply to: (1) a student while the student practices barbering or provides barber-stylist services in accordance with Sec. 4-301.1 or Sec. 4-301.2 of this subtitle; (2) a registered apprentice barber; or (3) an individual authorized in the discretion of the Board to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services under special circumstances. #### Section 4-301.1 (a) (1) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, a student who has completed at least 80 hours of training at a school of barbering may practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services, without a license, at the school. (2) A student may practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services under this subsection only: (i) in the course of the practical work required as part of the training of the student; (ii) while the student is under the direct supervision of a teacher who meets the requirements established by the Department of Education for public school programs or the Maryland Higher Education Commission for private school programs; and (iii) if the individual to whom a service is to be provided agrees to the service after being informed that a student in training is to provide the service. (b) (1) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, a student who has completed at least 850 hours of training at a school of barbering may practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services, without a license, in a: (i) hospital; (ii) nursing home; or (iii) correctional facility that does not house a barber school. (2) A student may practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services under this subsection only: (i) in the course of the practical work required as part of the training of the student; (ii) while the student is under the direct supervision of a teacher who meets the requirements established by the Department of Education for public school programs or the Maryland Higher Education Commission for private school programs; and (iii) if the individual to whom a service is to be provided: (1) is confined to a hospital, nursing home, or correctional facility that does not house a barber school; and (2) agrees to the service after being informed that a student in training is to provide the service. #### Section 4-301.2 (a) Subject to the provisions of this section, a student who has completed at least 850 hours of training while enrolled in public school courses in barbering may practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services without a license. (b) A student may practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services under this section only if the student: (1) is enrolled in an approved barbering program and has a record of satisfactory school performance and school attendance, as determined by the local education agency; (2) has a letter of authorization signed by the student's teacher or work-study coordinator, to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services in a specific licensed barbershop; (3) practices barbering or provides barber-stylist services only in that specific licensed barbershop; and (4) while practicing barbering or providing barber-stylist services, works under the direct supervision of an individual who is a licensed master barber who agrees to periodically report on the progress of the student to the barbering teacher or the work-study coordinator. (c) Under this section, there may not be more than three students working under the supervision of a licensed master barber. (d) A barbershop may pay a student for work authorized under this section. (e) A student authorized under this section to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services without a license shall conspicuously display a letter of authorization, as required by this section, at the student's work station in the specified licensed barbershop. #### Section 4-302 (a) To qualify for a license to practice barbering or a barber-stylist limited license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section. (b) (1) An applicant for a barber license shall have completed successfully: (i) (1) a required program of at least 1,200 hours of training in a barber school that is approved by the State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission, in consultation with the Board; or (2) an apprenticeship of at least 2,250 hours within 2 years in a barbershop that holds a barbershop permit under the supervision of a master barber; and (ii) 1 hour of in-person or virtual training in domestic violence awareness under Sec. 4-302.1 of this subtitle. (2) If the applicant for a barber license is an individual trained and currently licensed as a cosmetologist in the State, the Board shall: (i) credit the applicant with having met one-half of the training requirement of paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection; and (ii) determine the manner in which the credit will be applied. (3) The Board may credit an applicant with the number of hours of training the applicant completes in a barber school toward the number of hours required for an apprenticeship if the barber school where the applicant completes the training: (i) is located in a detention center or correctional facility; and (ii) (1) is approved by the State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission; or (2) has a curriculum similar to one that is approved by the State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission. (4) The Board may not credit more than 600 hours of training to an individual under paragraph (3) of this subsection. (c) (1) An applicant for a barber-stylist limited license shall have completed successfully: (i) (1) a required program of at least 900 hours of training in a barber school that is approved by the State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission, in consultation with the Board; or (2) an apprenticeship of at least 1,650 hours within 18 months in a barbershop that holds a barbershop permit under the supervision of a master barber; and (ii) 1 hour of in-person or virtual training in domestic violence awareness under Sec. 4-302.1 of this subtitle. (2) If the applicant for a barber-stylist license is an individual trained and currently licensed as a cosmetologist in the State, the Board shall: (i) credit the applicant with having met one-half of the training requirement of paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection; and (ii) determine the manner in which the credit will be applied. (3) The Board may credit an applicant with the number of hours of training the applicant completes in a barber school toward the number of hours required for an apprenticeship if the barber school where the applicant completes the training: (i) is located in a detention center or correctional facility; and (ii) (1) is approved by the State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission; or (2) has a curriculum similar to one that is approved by the State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission. (4) The Board may not credit more than 450 hours of training to an individual under paragraph (3) of this subsection. (d) An applicant for a master barber license shall have at least 15 months of experience as a barber. (e) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an applicant for a master barber license shall pass an examination given by the Board or the Board's designee under this subtitle. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an applicant for a barber license shall pass an examination given by the Board or the Board's designee under this subtitle. (3) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an applicant for a barber-stylist limited license shall pass an examination given by the Board or the Board's designee under this subtitle. #### Section 4-302.1 (a) The Department shall approve training programs that an individual may complete to satisfy the domestic violence awareness training requirements of this title. (b) A training program approved under subsection (a) of this section must: (1) be offered in person and virtually; (2) include guidance on: (i) recognizing the signs of domestic violence; (ii) strategies to navigate conversations with clients who may be victims of domestic violence; (iii) how to listen to and communicate with victims of domestic violence; and (iv) connecting clients with resources and support groups for victims of domestic violence; and (3) have a duration of at least 1 hour. #### Section 4-303 An applicant for a license shall: (1) submit to the Board an application on the form that the Board provides; and (2) pay to the Board an examination fee established by the Board in an amount not to exceed the cost of the required examination. #### Section 4-304 (a) Except as otherwise provided in Sec. 4-304.1 of this subtitle, an applicant is entitled to be examined as provided in this section if the applicant: (1) otherwise qualifies for a license under this title; and (2) pays an examination fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-303 of this subtitle to the Board or the Board's designee. (b) The Board periodically shall give examinations to applicants at the times and places that the Board determines. (c) The Board shall give each qualified applicant notice of the time and place of examination. (d) (1) The Board shall determine the subjects, scope, and form of and the passing score for examinations given under this subtitle. (2) An examination may consist of written and practical parts. (e) (1) Subject to Sec. 2-110 of the Business Regulation Article, an applicant whose primary language is not English may use a Board approved interpreter for the written part of an examination, but not for the practical part of an examination. (2) The passing of the practical part of an examination without an interpreter demonstrates that the applicant possesses sufficient command of English to understand and properly respond to an English-speaking customer. (f) Subject to Sec. 2-110 of the Business Regulation Article, in the case of an applicant who demonstrates dyslexia or other reading impairment to the Board: (1) the Board may grant 1 or both of the following: (i) additional time to complete all or part of the examination; or (ii) oral examination for all or part of the written part of the examination; and (2) the Board shall approve for licensing an applicant who: (i) passes the examination; and (ii) demonstrates to the Board that the applicant's dyslexia or other reading impairment, if any, does not significantly impair the applicant's ability to function as a licensee. (g) If an applicant fails to appear for a scheduled examination, the Board may require the applicant to pay another examination fee under Sec. 4-303 of this subtitle before rescheduling an examination for the applicant. #### Section 4-304.1 (a) The Board may use a testing service to administer examinations given under this title. (b) If the Board uses a testing service, the testing service, subject to the requirements set by the Board, may: (1) set the time and place of examinations; (2) give qualified applicants notice of the time and place of examinations; and (3) furnish any other information that the Board may require the testing service to provide. (c) The Board or the Board's designees shall mail or electronically transmit to each applicant notice of the applicant's examination results. #### Section 4-305 (a) Subject to the provisions of this section and of Sec. 4-306 of this subtitle, the Board may waive any requirement of this subtitle for an individual who is licensed to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services in another state. (b) The Board may grant a waiver under this section only if the applicant: (1) pays the examination fee required under Sec. 4-303 of this subtitle; (2) provides adequate evidence that the applicant has been licensed as a barber-stylist, barber, or master barber, whichever is applicable, in another state for at least the 6 months immediately preceding the filing of the application; and (3) passes the applicable examination. #### Section 4-306 (a) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board may waive any examination requirement of this subtitle for: (1) an applicant for a master barber or a barber license who is licensed to practice barbering in another state; or (2) an applicant for a barber-stylist limited license who is licensed to provide barber-stylist services in another state. (b) The Board may grant a waiver under this section only if: (1) the applicant pays the application fee set by the Board under Sec. 4-206 of this title and any applicable examination fee required under Sec. 4-303 of this subtitle for any examination requirement that is not waived by the Board; (2) the applicant provides adequate evidence that the applicant: (i) meets the qualifications otherwise required by this subtitle; and (ii) became licensed in the other state after passing, in that or any other state, an examination that is similar to the examination for which the applicant is seeking the waiver; (3) the applicant practiced barbering in the other state as a master barber or barber or provided barber-stylist services in the other state as a barber-stylist during the 2 years immediately before applying in this State; (4) the applicant provides: (i) a notarized statement from a previous employer certifying that the applicant has the experience required under item (3) of this subsection; or (ii) if the applicant was self-employed, other proof that is acceptable to the Board; (5) the applicant submits a letter from the licensing board of the other state certifying that the applicant is in good standing with the board of the other state; and (6) the applicant certifies in writing that the applicant has read, understands, and will comply with the provisions of this title and the regulations of the Board. #### Section 4-307 (a) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board may waive the written part of the master barber, barber, or barber-stylist examination for an individual who is licensed to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services in a foreign country. (b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the Board may grant a waiver under this section only if the applicant: (1) pays the examination fee required under Sec. 4-303 of this subtitle that is attributable to the practical part of the examination; (2) passes the practical part of the master barber, barber, or barber-stylist examination given by the Board; and (3) provides adequate evidence that, at the time the applicant was licensed in the foreign country, the applicant was required to pass an examination and meet qualifications that were substantially equivalent to those then required by the laws of this State. (c) To meet a minimum standard of training, the Board may require: (1) an applicant licensed to practice barbering in a foreign country to complete successfully a required program of training in the practice of barbering not exceeding 1,200 hours; or (2) an applicant licensed to provide barber-stylist services in a foreign country to complete successfully a required program of training in the provision of barber-stylist services not exceeding 900 hours. #### Section 4-308 (a) If an applicant qualifies for a license under this subtitle, the Board shall send the applicant a notice that states that: (1) the applicant has qualified for a license; and (2) the Board will issue the license to the applicant, on receipt of the appropriate license fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title. (b) On payment of the appropriate license fee, the Board shall issue a license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle. #### Section 4-309 (a) Subject to Sec. 4-605 of this title, while a master barber license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to: (1) practice barbering; and (2) supervise an apprentice barber. (b) Subject to Sec. 4-605 of this title, while a barber license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to practice barbering. (c) Subject to Sec. 4-605 of this title, while a barber-stylist limited license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to provide barber-stylist services. #### Section 4-310 (a) The initial term of a license is 2 years. (b) A license expires on the date set by the Board unless the license is renewed for an additional term as provided in this section. (c) (1) At least 1 month before a license expires, the Board shall mail or electronically transmit to the licensee: (i) a renewal application form; and (ii) a notice that states: (1) the date on which the current license expires; and (2) the amount of the renewal fee. (2) If an electronic transmission under paragraph (1) of this subsection is returned to the Board as undeliverable, the Board shall mail to the licensee, at the last known address of the licensee, the materials required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 10 business days of the date the Board received the notice that the electronic transmission was undeliverable. (d) Before a license expires, the licensee periodically may renew it for an additional 2-year term, if the licensee: (1) otherwise is entitled to be licensed; (2) pays to the Board a renewal fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title; and (3) submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that the Board provides. (e) The Board shall renew the license of and issue a renewal certificate to each licensee who meets the requirements of this section. #### Section 4-312 (a) The Board shall reinstate the license of an individual who, for any reason, has failed to renew the license if the individual: (1) applies to the Board for reinstatement within 5 years after the license expires; (2) meets the renewal requirements for that license under Sec. 4-310 of this subtitle; and (3) pays to the Board a reinstatement fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title, in addition to the renewal fee required under Sec. 4-310 of this subtitle. (b) If an individual has failed to renew a license for any reason and then applies to the Board for reinstatement more than 5 years after the license has expired, the Board shall reinstate the license only if the individual: (1) meets the renewal requirements for that license under Sec. 4-310 of this subtitle; (2) pays to the Board a reinstatement fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title, in addition to the renewal fee required under Sec. 4-310 of this subtitle; and (3) passes the examination required by the Board. #### Section 4-313 Each licensee shall display the license conspicuously in the barbershop where the licensee practices barbering or provides barber-stylist services. #### Section 4-314 (a) (1) Subject to the hearing provisions of Sec. 4-315 of this subtitle, the Board may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee: (i) fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the applicant or licensee or for another; (ii) fraudulently or deceptively uses a license; (iii) is incompetent; (iv) habitually is intoxicated or under the influence of any drug; (v) falsifies a record submitted to the Board; (vi) fails to use proper sanitary methods while practicing barbering; (vii) fails to keep a barbershop in a sanitary condition; (viii) under the laws of the United States or of any state, is convicted of: (1) a felony; or (2) a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services; (ix) violates any provision of this title or any regulation adopted by the Board under this title; or (x) fails to pay a civil penalty imposed by the Board under Sec. 4-608 of this title. (2) (i) Instead of or in addition to reprimanding a licensee or suspending or revoking a license under this subsection, the Board may impose a penalty not exceeding $300 for all violations cited on a single date. (ii) To determine the amount of the penalty under this subsection, the Board shall consider: (1) the seriousness of the violation; (2) the good faith of the violator; (3) the violator's history of previous violations; (4) the deleterious effect of the violation on the complainant, the public, and the barber industry; and (5) any other factors relevant to the determination of the financial penalty. (3) The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State. (b) The Board shall consider the following facts in the granting, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of a license or the reprimand of a licensee when an applicant or licensee is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor described in subsection (a)(1)(viii) of this section: (1) the nature of the crime; (2) the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the license; (3) with respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services; (4) the length of time since the conviction; and (5) the behavior and activities of the applicant or licensee before and after the conviction. (c) The Board shall commence proceedings under this section on a complaint to the Board by a member of the Board or any person. (d) (1) A complaint shall: (i) be in writing; (ii) include the name and necessary contact information of the individual filing the complaint, as determined by the Board; (iii) state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based; (iv) be submitted to the Executive Director of the Board; and (v) be served on the person to whom it is directed: (1) personally; or (2) by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to the person's last known address as shown on the Board's records. (2) If service is made by certified mail, the person who mails the document shall file with the Board verified proof of mailing. (3) If a complaint is made by any person other than a member of the Board, the complaint shall be made under oath by the person who submits the complaint. (e) (1) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, if the Board finds that a complaint alleges facts that are adequate grounds for action under this section, the Board shall act on the complaint as provided under Sec. 4-315 of this subtitle to deny, suspend, or revoke a license, reprimand a licensee, or assess a penalty. (2) If the Board does not make the finding, the Board shall dismiss the complaint. (f) (1) If the Board makes the finding under subsection (e)(1) of this section for a violation that relates to the sanitary practice of barbering or the provision of barber-stylist services, the Board shall provide the licensee an opportunity to correct the alleged violation. (2) If the licensee fails to correct each alleged violation within 10 days of written notification of the violation by the Board, the Board shall act on the complaint as provided under Sec. 4-315 of this subtitle. (3) If the licensee corrects each alleged violation within 10 days of notice, the Board shall: (i) dismiss the complaint; and (ii) provide the licensee written notification of the dismissal. #### Section 4-315 (a) Except as otherwise provided in Sec. 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Board takes any final action under Sec. 4-314 of this subtitle, it shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board. (b) The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article. (c) The Board may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section. (d) The hearing notice to be given to the individual shall be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the individual at least 10 days before the hearing. (e) If, after due notice, the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Board may hear and determine the matter. ### Subtitle 4. Registration of Apprentice Barbers #### Section 4-401 An individual shall be registered by the Board before the individual may serve as an apprentice in a barbershop in the State. #### Section 4-402 An applicant for registration as an apprentice barber shall: (1) submit to the Board an application on the form that the Board provides; (2) pay to the Board an application fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title; and (3) submit to the Board adequate evidence of the following: (i) the intention of a barbershop in the State to allow the applicant to affiliate with it as an apprentice barber; and (ii) in the case of an applicant who does not speak English, the intention to participate in an English comprehension course during the apprenticeship. #### Section 4-403 The Board shall register and issue a certificate of registration to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle. #### Section 4-404 (a) While registration as an apprentice barber is in effect, the registration authorizes the individual to learn to practice barbering or to learn to provide barber-stylist services: (1) in a: (i) barbershop that holds a barbershop permit; or (ii) beauty salon that holds a beauty salon permit; and (2) under the supervision of a master barber. (b) (1) An apprentice barber shall practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services only at the barbershop or beauty salon with a barbershop permit issued under Sec. 5-504 of this article. (2) An apprentice barber may only be paid for work authorized under this section performed while assisting a master barber in starting or completing an operation. #### Section 4-405 (a) (1) The initial term of registration as an apprentice barber is 2 years. (2) An apprentice barber may renew the apprentice barber registration one time. (b) The one-time renewal of an apprentice barber registration expires on the date set by the Board. (c) (1) At least 1 month before registration as an apprentice barber expires, the Board shall mail or electronically transmit to the apprentice barber: (i) a renewal application form; and (ii) a notice that states: (1) the date on which the current registration as an apprentice barber expires; and (2) the amount of the renewal fee. (2) If an electronic transmission under paragraph (1) of this subsection is returned to the Board as undeliverable, the Board shall mail to the apprentice barber, at the last known address of the apprentice barber, the materials required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 10 business days of the date the Board received the notice that the electronic transmission was undeliverable. (d) Before the registration of an individual expires, the individual may renew it for an additional term if the individual: (1) otherwise is entitled to be registered; (2) pays to the Board a renewal fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title; and (3) submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that the Board provides. (e) The Board shall renew the apprentice barber registration of and issue a renewal certificate to each apprentice barber who meets the requirements of this section. #### Section 4-406 Each registered apprentice barber shall display the certificate of registration conspicuously in the apprentice barber's place of employment. #### Section 4-407 (a) Subject to the hearing provisions of Sec. 4-408 of this subtitle, the Board may deny registration as an apprentice barber to any applicant, reprimand any individual registered as an apprentice barber, or suspend or revoke the registration of any individual registered as an apprentice barber: (1) for any applicable ground under Sec. 4-314 of this title; (2) if the applicant or individual fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain registration for the applicant or individual or for another; or (3) if the applicant or individual fraudulently or deceptively uses a certificate of registration. (b) (1) Instead of or in addition to reprimanding an individual registered as an apprentice barber or suspending or revoking the registration under this section, the Board may impose a penalty not exceeding $300 for all violations cited on a single day. (2) To determine the amount of the penalty imposed under this section, the Board shall consider: (i) the seriousness of the violation; (ii) the good faith of the violator; (iii) the violator's history of previous violations; (iv) the deleterious effect of the violation on the complainant, the public, and the barber industry; and (v) any other factors relevant to the determination of the penalty. (c) The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this section into the General Fund of the State. #### Section 4-408 (a) Except as otherwise provided in Sec. 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Board takes any final action under Sec. 4-407 of this subtitle, it shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board. (b) The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article. (c) The Board may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section. (d) The hearing notice to be given to the individual shall be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the individual at least 10 days before the hearing. (e) If, after due notice, the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Board may hear and determine the matter. ### Subtitle 5. Barbershops and Barber Schools #### Section 4-501 (a) A person shall hold a barbershop permit issued by the Board before the person may operate a barbershop in the State. (b) A separate barbershop permit is required for each barbershop that a person operates. #### Section 4-502 (a) To qualify for a barbershop permit, an applicant shall be a person who meets the requirements of this section. (b) (1) An applicant shall own the facility in which the barbershop for which the application is made is located. (2) To qualify for a barbershop permit for a mobile barbershop, the applicant shall: (i) hold a barbershop permit to operate a barbershop that is not a mobile barbershop; and (ii) own or lease the motor vehicle or trailer in which the mobile barbershop for which the application is made is located. (c) An applicant shall satisfy the Board that the location and equipment of the barbershop for which the application is made meets the requirements of: (1) the Board; (2) the Maryland Department of Health; and (3) the applicable local zoning code. (d) As a condition of the issuance of a barbershop permit, the barbershop for which the application is made shall pass a pre-opening inspection conducted under Sec. 4-512 of this subtitle. #### Section 4-503 (a) An applicant for a barbershop permit shall: (1) submit to the Board an application on the form that the Board provides; and (2) pay to the Board an application fee and a pre-opening inspection fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title. (b) For each barbershop permit for which a person applies, the person shall submit a separate application and pay separate application and pre-opening inspection fees. #### Section 4-504 (a) The Board shall issue a barbershop permit to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle. (b) The Board shall issue a barbershop permit and a beauty salon permit to an applicant of a single establishment if the applicant: (1) meets the requirements of: (i) this title; and (ii) Title 5 of this article; (2) submits a separate application for each permit; and (3) pays a separate fee for each application. #### Section 4-505 While a barbershop permit is in effect, it authorizes the barbershop permit holder to operate a barbershop. #### Section 4-506 (a) Unless a barbershop permit is renewed for a 2-year term as provided in this section, the permit expires on the first May 31 that comes: (1) after the effective date of the permit; and (2) in an odd-numbered year. (b) (1) At least 1 month before a barbershop permit expires, the Board shall mail or electronically transmit to the permit holder: (i) a renewal application form; and (ii) a notice that states: (1) the date on which the current permit expires; and (2) the amount of the renewal fee. (2) If an electronic transmission under paragraph (1) of this subsection is returned to the Board as undeliverable, the Board shall mail to the permit holder, at the last known address of the permit holder, the materials required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 10 business days of the date the Board received the notice that the electronic transmission was undeliverable. (c) Before a barbershop permit expires, the barbershop permit holder periodically may renew it for an additional 2-year term, if the holder: (1) otherwise is entitled to hold the permit; (2) pays to the Board a renewal fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title; and (3) submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that the Board provides. (d) The Board shall renew the barbershop permit of and issue a renewal certificate to each barbershop permit holder who meets the requirements of this section. (e) The Secretary may determine that barbershop permits issued under this subtitle shall expire on a staggered basis. #### Section 4-506.1 (a) The Board may reinstate a barbershop permit that has expired if the owner of the barbershop: (1) applies to the Board for reinstatement within 45 days after the permit expires; (2) otherwise meets the requirements of Sec. 4-506(c) of this subtitle; and (3) pays to the Board a reinstatement fee established by the Board in accordance with Sec. 4-206 of this title, in addition to the renewal fee required under Sec. 4-506(c)(2) of this subtitle. (b) If an owner of a barbershop has failed to renew a barbershop permit and applies to the Board for reinstatement more than 45 days after the permit has expired, the Board shall reinstate the permit only if the barbershop owner qualifies for a barbershop permit in accordance with Sec.Sec. 4-502 and 4-503 of this subtitle. #### Section 4-507 (a) A barbershop may not employ at the same time more than three apprentice barbers for each master barber employed. (b) A barbershop may have a separate shampoo area. (c) The Board may not require a barbershop to have a minimum number of sinks. (d) (1) An apprentice barber under complete and constant supervision of a master barber may assist the master barber in starting or completing an operation. The master barber or barbershop may charge the usual fees for the operation. (2) A fee may not be charged for an operation performed completely by an apprentice barber. #### Section 4-508 (a) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a barbershop may not be integrated with any other business. (b) A person may conduct another business on the premises of a barbershop only if the business and barbershop are separated by a permanent wall or partition. (c) An individual licensed to practice cosmetology may practice cosmetology in a barbershop. #### Section 4-509 (a) The owner shall designate a master barber to supervise each apprentice barber who is learning to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services in the barbershop. (b) The owner or a designated master barber shall file monthly a report, on a form supplied by the Board, that: (1) states the progress of each apprentice barber employed by the barbershop; and (2) identifies the master barber supervising each apprentice barber. (c) The owner and the master barber supervising an apprentice barber immediately shall advise the Board in writing of: (1) the date on which an apprentice barber ceases learning to practice barbering or to provide barber-stylist services at the barbershop, temporarily or permanently; and (2) the reason for the cessation. #### Section 4-511 (a) The Board may adopt regulations to ensure that each barber school approved by the State Board of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission is operated in a sanitary manner. (b) The regulations adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall provide for: (1) the reporting of violations of the regulations to the Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission; and (2) the imposition of a fine not to exceed $300 for a violation of the regulations. (c) In determining the amount of financial penalty to be imposed under this section, the Board shall consider the following: (1) the seriousness of the violation; (2) the good faith of the violator; (3) the violator's history of previous violations; (4) the deleterious effect of the violation on the complainant, the public, and the barber industry; and (5) any other factors relevant to the determination of the financial penalty. (d) The Board shall commence proceedings to assess a penalty under this section on a complaint to the Board by a member of the Board or any person. (e) (1) A complaint shall: (i) be in writing; (ii) include the name and necessary contact information of the individual filing the complaint, as determined by the Board; (iii) state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based; (iv) be submitted to the Executive Director of the Board; and (v) be served on the person to whom it is directed: (1) personally; or (2) by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to the person's last known address as shown on the Board's records. (2) If service is made by certified mail, the person who mails the document shall file with the Board verified proof of mailing. (3) If a complaint is made by any person other than a member of the Board, the complaint shall be made under oath by the person who submits the complaint. (f) (1) If the Board finds that there is a violation that relates to the sanitary condition of the barber school, the Board shall provide the owner of the barber school an opportunity to correct the alleged violation. (2) If the school owner fails to correct each alleged violation within 10 days of written notification by the Board, the Board shall act on the complaint as provided under Sec. 4-514 of this subtitle. (3) If the school owner corrects each alleged violation within 10 days of notice, the Board shall: (i) dismiss the complaint; and (ii) provide the school owner written notification of dismissal. #### Section 4-512 (a) (1) With the approval of the Secretary, the Board may appoint inspectors to conduct inspections. (2) An inspector serves at the pleasure of the Board. (3) Subject to the State budget, each inspector is entitled to: (i) reasonable compensation as determined by the Board for each day on which the inspector is engaged in the duties of the inspector's appointment; and (ii) reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations. (b) (1) The Board shall inspect barbershops. (2) The Board or an inspector shall inspect each barbershop before the barbershop: (i) initially opens for business; (ii) opens for business at a new location; or (iii) continues business under a new owner. (3) A barbershop that remodels and reopens with the same owner is not subject to the inspection requirement of this subsection. (c) (1) The Board or an inspector may enter and inspect a barber school approved by the State Board of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission at any time during business hours to determine the sanitary condition of the barber school. (2) If, during an inspection of a barber school, an inspector finds an unsanitary condition, the inspector promptly shall report the condition to the Board. (d) (1) A barbershop shall allow an inspector, on presentation of credentials, to enter and inspect the facility at any time during business hours. (2) During inspection of a barbershop, the owner, lessee, or manager of the barbershop shall accompany the inspector. (e) (1) An inspector shall make an inspection report after an inspection and give a copy to the individual who accompanied the inspector during the inspection. (2) The individual shall sign the inspection report for the barbershop to acknowledge receipt of a copy of the report. #### Section 4-513 (a) (1) Subject to the hearing provisions of Sec. 4-514 of this subtitle, the Board may deny a barbershop permit to any applicant, reprimand any permit holder, or suspend or revoke a barbershop permit: (i) for any applicable ground under Sec. 4-314 of this title; (ii) if the applicant or holder fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a barbershop permit for the applicant or holder or for another; (iii) if the applicant or holder fraudulently or deceptively uses a barbershop permit; or (iv) if the holder fails to pay a civil penalty imposed by the Board under Sec. 4-608 of this title. (2) (i) Instead of or in addition to reprimanding a permit holder or suspending or revoking a permit under this subsection, the Board may impose a penalty not exceeding $300 for all violations cited on a single date. (ii) To determine the amount of penalty imposed under this subsection, the Board shall consider the following: (1) the seriousness of the violation; (2) the good faith of the violator; (3) the violator's history of previous violations; (4) the deleterious effect of the violation on the complainant, the public, and the barber industry; and (5) any other factors relevant to the determination of the financial penalty. (3) The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State. (b) The Board shall commence proceedings under this section on a complaint to the Board by a member of the Board or any person. (c) (1) A complaint shall: (i) be in writing; (ii) be signed by the complainant; (iii) state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based; (iv) be submitted to the Executive Director of the Board; and (v) be served on the person to whom it is directed: (1) personally; or (2) by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to the person's last known address as shown on the Board's records. (2) If service is made by certified mail, the person who mails the document shall file with the Board verified proof of mailing. (3) If a complaint is made by any person other than a member of the Board, the complaint shall be made under oath by the person who submits the complaint. (d) (1) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, if the Board finds that a complaint alleges facts that are adequate grounds for action under Sec. 4-514 of this subtitle, the Board shall act on the complaint as provided under Sec. 4-514 of this subtitle to deny, suspend, or revoke a barbershop permit, or reprimand or assess a penalty against the holder of the permit. (2) If the Board does not make the finding, the Board shall dismiss the complaint. (e) (1) If the Board makes the finding under subsection (d)(1) of this section for a violation that relates to the sanitary condition of the barbershop, the Board shall provide the owner of the barbershop an opportunity to correct the alleged violation. (2) If the barbershop owner fails to correct each alleged violation within 10 days of written notification by the Board, the Board shall act on the complaint as provided under Sec. 4-514 of this subtitle. (3) If the barbershop owner corrects each alleged violation within 10 days of notice, the Board shall: (i) dismiss the complaint; and (ii) provide the barbershop owner written notification of dismissal. #### Section 4-514 (a) Except as otherwise provided in Sec. 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Board takes any final action under Sec. 4-511 or Sec. 4-513 of this subtitle, it shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board. (b) The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article. (c) The Board may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section. (d) The hearing notice to be given to the person shall be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the person at least 10 days before the hearing. (e) If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Board may hear and determine the matter. ### Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts; Penalties #### Section 4-601 (a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice barbering in the State unless licensed by the Board to practice barbering. (b) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide barber-stylist services in the State unless licensed by the Board to provide barber-stylist services. #### Section 4-602 A person may not operate a barbershop in the State unless the person holds a barbershop permit issued by the Board. #### Section 4-603 An individual may not serve as an apprentice barber unless registered by the Board as an apprentice barber. #### Section 4-604 (a) (1) Unless authorized under this title to practice barbering, a person may not represent to the public, by use of a title, including "licensed barber", "master barber", or "journey barber", by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to practice barbering in the State. (2) If an individual is authorized under this title to engage in the limited practice of barbering, the individual may represent to the public that the individual is authorized to practice barbering in a manner restricted to that limited practice. (b) Unless an establishment holds a barbershop permit under this title, a person may not represent to the public, by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the establishment is a barbershop. #### Section 4-605 (a) Except as provided in Sec.Sec. 4-301.1 and 4-301.2 of this title and subsection (b) of this section, a person may not practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services in any place other than: (1) a barbershop that holds a barbershop permit under this title; or (2) a beauty salon that holds a beauty salon permit under Title 5 of this article. (b) A licensed master barber, licensed barber, or licensed barber-stylist may practice barbering or provide barber-stylist services as appropriate outside a barbershop or beauty salon if: (1) the master barber, barber, or barber-stylist is sponsored by a barbershop that holds a barbershop permit or a beauty salon that holds a beauty salon permit; (2) the patron is a customer of the barbershop or the beauty salon; (3) the implements transported to the site where barbering services or barber-stylist services will be performed are sanitized and disinfected; (4) the sponsoring barbershop maintains complete records of all services performed outside the barbershop or the beauty salon; and (5) Board inspectors are permitted to conduct inspections of: (i) the implements used outside of the barbershop or the beauty salon; and (ii) the premises where the barbering services or barber-stylist services are performed. #### Section 4-607 (a) Except as otherwise provided by this title, the Board may impose on a person who violates any provision of this title a penalty not exceeding $1,000 for all violations cited on a single day. (b) In setting the amount of the penalty, the Board shall consider: (1) the seriousness of the violation; (2) the harm caused by the violation; (3) the good faith of the violator; (4) any history of previous violations by the violator; and (5) any other relevant factors. (c) The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this section into the General Fund of the State. #### Section 4-608 (a) Following an inspection of a barbershop, if a Board inspector determines that a licensee or permit holder has violated this title or a regulation adopted by the Board, the inspector may issue a citation to the licensee or permit holder. (b) A citation issued by a Board inspector shall be in writing and shall state: (1) a brief description of each violation; (2) the amount of a civil penalty, as prescribed by regulation, for each violation; and (3) as provided in this section: (i) the time within which the civil penalty is to be paid; (ii) the opportunity to contest the citation; and (iii) the finality of the citation if it is not contested. (c) The citation shall be served on the licensee or permit holder alleged to have committed the violation by: (1) hand-delivery; or (2) certified mail to the last known address of the licensee or permit holder. (d) Subject to subsections (e) and (f) of this section, the civil penalty set forth in a citation shall be paid within 60 days of its receipt. (e) A citation and the applicable civil penalty shall be considered a final order of the Board unless, within 60 days of being served with the citation, the licensee or permit holder notifies the Board in writing of an intent to contest the citation. (f) (1) Upon the receipt of a written notice of a licensee or permit holder's intent to contest a citation, the Board shall hold a hearing, in accordance with Sec. 4-315 or Sec. 4-514 of this title, regarding the cited violations. (2) A hearing held in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be delegated to the Office of Administrative Hearings under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article. (g) (1) The Board shall establish by regulation a schedule of civil penalties for violations of this title and regulations adopted by the Board. (2) The civil penalties imposed under this subsection may not exceed $300 for all violations cited on a single day. ### Subtitle 7. Short Title; Termination of Title #### Section 4-701 This title may be cited as the "Maryland Barbers Act". #### Section 4-702 Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, this title and all regulations adopted under this title shall terminate and be of no effect after July 1, 2032. --- Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)