As an Iowa barber, I stand alongside all professional barber and cosmetologist peers, astounded and deeply concerned by House File (HF49). This proposed legislation threatens to dilute our profession's stringent requirements, a proposition that is not only personally insulting to us trained professionals but is also a potential hazard to public safety.

HF49, alarmingly, empowers barbershop owners to employ virtually anyone off the street, providing they have just two hours of training. Reflect on that for a moment: a mere 120 minutes of training, to perform tasks that require precision, knowledge of hair and skin types, and an understanding of potential allergic reactions. This travesty drastically pulls down the current Iowa's standard requirement of 1500 hours, which itself had been reduced from 2100 hours. This proposed law would virtually eliminate the need for a barber license in Iowa.

Such a drastic reduction risks compromising the health and safety of the people of Iowa. Hair coloring and shaving are precise procedures that, if performed improperly, can result in significant harm - from burns and cuts to long-term skin damage. No citizen of our state should be subjected to such risks due to untrained barbers.

Moreover, this legislation will cause irreparable harm to traditional barber schools who dedicate time and resources to cultivating well-trained professional barbers. Currently, these institutions charge about $23,000 for comprehensive training. The passage of HF49 will redirect potential students from these schools to shops promising quick, informal training and immediate earning potential– all at the expense of quality and safety.

Respect for the time-honored traditions of barbering, recognition of the professionalism barbers and cosmetologists bring, and responsibility for the safety of all our local communities are at the core of this issue. Join us in stopping this dangerous, disrespectful legislation. Lend your support to protect the pride and professionalism in each clip, cut, and shave by every Iowa barber and to ensure the continued safety of our valued customers.

We urge you to sign this petition and halt the passage of House File (HF49).