LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The fight at the heart of the proposed Senate Bill 14 is for more representation of those working in the nail salon industry in Kentucky.
The proposal details changes state Senator Reginald Thomas said would allow the industry to grow and thrive statewide.
S.B. 14 was born from a group of nail technicians who took their concerns to Frankfort in 2023.
They cited instances of abuse of power by the Kentucky Cosmetology Board.
WHAS11 spoke with multiple individuals who described instances of rogue inspectors including one who threatened to shoot a dog inside a salon.
Others also said penalties after a failed inspection are unpredictable and often debilitating to their business.
On Tuesday, Senator Thomas discussed during a committee meeting the logistics of the new bill which includes better regulation of the Board of Cosmetology, and penalties.
"Let’s not go to the death penalty first. Let’s do this gradually and if there's a problem, let’s give them notice and then perform graduated penalties which is what we generally think of as the right thing to do," he said.
The Board of Cosmetology also attended the hearing, voicing concerns with the wording.
The committee chair decided to table the bill for the week but said a vote could be expected at an upcoming hearing.
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