Do away with licensing?

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Indiana lawmakers are considering deregulating some professions. Anything falling under the beauty industry category is included.

Owner of Harrold Beauty Academy, Seth Harrold said it's a slap in the face to say you don't need a license to do what they do.

“It’s not really a good thing overall in this industry…No client wants someone working on them that’s not licensed and that’s the bottom line,” said Harrold.
    
The family-owned business has been around for 50 years.
    
Harrold thinks doing away with licensing could have consequences.

“There’s things to know about different chemicals we use, barbacide, for example. Deregulation for this industry would really not help this state. It would really hinder it,” said Harrold.

Senate Bill 520 calls for the creation of the Eliminate, Reduce and Streamline Employee Regulation Committee (ERASER).
    
It would decide if more than a dozen industries can do without licenses.
    
But Seth said it's more than litigation.
    
It could be about health.

“You’re looking at civil litigation, but also criminal. You could actually have someone die, say, over skincare,” said Harrold.
    
Harrold said if the bill were to pass, they could be facing some major adjustments.

“If it were to pass, it would not be good, because basically, the state would say you would not need the license to do hair! Obviously, that would throw a monkey wrench in what we do. Obviously, we would adjust and roll with the punches,” said Harrold.
    
But Harrold isn't too worried about the possibility.

“We will not be reviewed again until 2016. I really believe by 2016, we won’t be on the bill…they might restructure some of the licensing, but I think we’re going to be in good shape,” said Harrold.

This week, the bill is being reviewed by an Indiana House of Representatives committee.