On February 24, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package that will provide urgent relief to millions of Californians struggling with pandemic hardship, including the nearly 600,000 individuals and businesses licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC).
“As millions of Californians are struggling to make ends meet amid the devastating impacts of this pandemic, we are taking immediate action in partnership with our legislative leadership to provide families and businesses the relief they need,” said Governor Newsom in a statement.
What Does This Mean for BBC Licensees?
Under the current law, licensees and licensed establishments must renew their licenses every two years. Effective immediately, this new law will exempt these individuals and businesses from paying those renewal fees for the next two years—through January 1, 2023. For information about what the law entails, visit BBC’s website, which also has a list of frequently asked questions in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese.
How Will BBC Function Without This Revenue?
The legislation will appropriate $25,600,000 from the state’s General Fund to the Barbering and Cosmetology Contingent Fund, which will be used by BBC to backfill revenues relating to the fee waivers.
“This will allow our Board to continue its role to ensure the health and safety of California consumers by promoting ethical standards and by enforcing the laws of the barbering and beauty industry,” said BBC Executive Officer Kristy Underwood.
Can Other Licensees Under the Umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs Benefit From This Economic Relief Package?
Possibly: There are many things to consider when looking into this law. Small-business owners who hold a license with one of DCA’s entities may qualify for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. This legislation also affects qualified individuals who either need child care, have an income below $30,000, are attending a college or university, or all of the above. For more information, you can read the full text of the related bills by visiting these links:
- AB 81 (Ting, Chapter 5, Statutes of 2021).
- AB 82 (Ting, Chapter 6, Statutes of 2021).
- AB 85 (Committee on Budget, Chapter 4, Statutes of 2021).
- SB 87 (Caballero, Chapter 7, Statutes of 2021).
- SB 88 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, Chapter 8, Statutes of 2021).
- SB 94 (Skinner, Chapter 9, Statutes of 2021).
