Repeals GS Chapters 88B (regarding Cosmetic Art) and 86A (regarding Barbers).

Enacts new GS Chapter 86B (Barbers and Cosmetic Art). Prohibits a person from practicing barbering or cosmetic art, opening or operating a barbershop or cosmetic art shop, or teaching barbering or cosmetic art in a school, on or after January 1, 2018, without a state license issued pursuant to the new chapter, with specified exemptions. Makes practice without a license in violation of this Chapter a Class 3 misdemeanor. Provides for all such licenses and renewal of licenses. Definesbarber,cosmetic art, and 19 other associated terms, to include various forms of cutting, treating, or arranging hair, manicuring, and skin care. Establishes the NC Board of Barber and Cosmetic Art Examiners (Board), with eight members (three appointed by the President Pro Tem. of the Senate, three by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and two by the Governor), to be appointed on or before October 1, 2017, with their terms beginning on January 1, 2018. Charges the board with administration of GS Chapter 86B, and authorizes a schedule of fees that the Board may assess. Sets out qualifications for licensed barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, natural hair care specialists, apprentices, and accompanying teachers and instructors. Provides for temporary employment permits for persons who have completed the required hours of a barber school or cosmetic art school, but have not yet taken the required examination, allowing them to practice under the supervision of a licensed barber or other cosmetic artist, as appropriate. Provides for the licensure of applicants licensed and in good standing in other states. Authorizes the practice of barbering and other cosmetic arts by licensed individuals outside of barbershops and cosmetic art shops to attend to the needs of sick and disabled individuals, as specified. Requires specified bonds for barber and cosmetic art schools. Directs the Board to conduct examinations for licensure under this Chapter, and to adopt sanitary rules applicable to licensees under this Chapter, as specified. Authorizes the Board to take disciplinary actions, including a civil penalty of up to $500, against licensees for violations of the Chapter or rules adopted by the Board.

The section establishing the initial appointments by the Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate to the Board is effective when the act becomes law. The remainder of the act is effective January 1, 2018, and applies to applications for licensure, examination, and renewal submitted on or after that date.

Licenses and registrations issued by the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners and the State Board of Barber Examiners, prior to the effective date of this act, remain in full force.