H.4574 prohibits anyone from practicing or teaching electrology unless licensed by the State Board of Cosmetology, and establishes the Electrology Licensure Committee to advise and assist the Board in issuing licenses. The board is composed of five members appointed by the governor. The bill lays out licensing requirements, and the Committee is responsible for making regulatory, fee, penalty, and other executive recommendations to the Board.

As we discussed at length here, licensing laws do not ensure quality of service, but are very effective at keeping lower-income entrepreneurs from entering the industry and providing competition. Sadly, these regulations also drive up prices, making their services harder to access for lower-income individuals.

By South Carolina Policy Council

Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.