Carroll bill updating barber board quorum requirements signed into law

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    July 21, 2026 | 9:48 AM

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Andre D. Carroll, D-Phila., to improve the efficiency of Pennsylvania's barber licensing and regulatory process has been signed into law.

The new law, formerly H.B. 1646, updates the quorum requirement for the State Board of Barber Examiners by defining a quorum as a majority of the board's members rather than requiring a fixed number of six members to be present. The change will help ensure the board can continue conducting business even when vacancies exist.

The State Board of Barber Examiners oversees the licensing and regulation of barbers, barber managers and barber instructors, as well as the approval of barber shops and barber schools. In recent years, the board has faced challenges meeting its existing quorum requirement, delaying license approvals and other regulatory actions.

"When the board cannot reach a quorum, it cannot do the work Pennsylvanians rely on it to do," Carroll said. "I'm proud to see this legislation become law because it removes an unnecessary barrier that has slowed the licensing process and hindered the board's ability to serve barbers, barber schools and consumers across the Commonwealth."

The law is expected to reduce delays for license applicants, while maintaining the board's regulatory standards and oversight responsibilities.

"This is a practical, commonsense update that helps government work more efficiently," Carroll said. "By modernizing the board's quorum requirement, we're ensuring it can continue protecting the public while supporting Pennsylvania's barbering profession."

The reform also aligns the Board of Barber Examiners with the majority of Pennsylvania's professional licensing boards and commissions. Of the 29 state licensing boards and commissions under the Pennsylvania Department of State, 19 already use a majority-based quorum requirement.

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