PA House passes legislation to update barber regulation board rules
Rep. Andre D. Carroll July 9, 2025 | 10:29 AM
HARRISBURG, July 8 – The PA House of Representatives has passed legislation (H.B. 1646) that would help keep Pennsylvania’s barbering profession running efficiently by updating rules for the State Board of Barber Examiners.
State Rep. Andre D. Carroll, D-Phila., introduced H.B. 1646, which would set the board meeting quorum as a “majority of members of the board” rather than the current specific number of six members, make it easier for the board to meet and conduct business. The Board of Barber Examiners, which oversees the licensing and regulation of barbers, barber managers, and barber instructors, as well as the approval of barber shops and schools, has struggled in recent years to consistently meet the current quorum requirements.
“When the board cannot reach a quorum, it cannot function. Applications go unapproved, disciplinary cases stall, and the regulatory process breaks down,” said Carroll “This legislation ensures the board can meet and conduct critical business, even if not all seats are currently filled.”
The change will help avoid unnecessary delays for license applicants, schools of barbering, and licensed professionals across the Commonwealth.
“This is a common-sense reform bill,” Carroll said. “It removes an outdated procedural obstacle while still maintaining the high standards and steady operation of the barbering profession in Pennsylvania.”
Of the 29 state licensing boards and commission under the PA Department of State, 19 already use the “majority” phrasing instead of a set number.
The bill now moves to the Senate for approval.