The new law also calls for the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to conduct a study on the procedure relating to application and denial process. It also requires the board to provide information to an applicant on the reason for denial as well as hold a hearing within 90 days of receiving an applicants request for a hearing and allows the issuance of a probationary license under specific conditions.

“It is a serious contradiction for the State to provide training in prison for specific vocational programs such as cosmetology, but not allow them to apply for state licensure when they return to the community,” said Bass.  “It’s imperative that we offer parolees an opportunity to become productive citizens in the community by providing them with the necessary tools to do so. This legislation will bridge the gap of opportunity by eliminating an unnecessary obstacle.”

One out of every five individuals on parole in this country lives in California. According to an Urban Institute study, unemployment for individuals who have been released from prison for several months is 30 percent to 50 percent.