Makeup Artistry Bill Passed

Introduction: A Makeup Artist’s Legal Victory

As a professional makeup artist in Oregon, I’ve just achieved a groundbreaking victory for our industry. Before yesterday, makeup artists were legally restricted from charging for their services without an esthetician license—a requirement completely misaligned with our professional craft.

The Challenge: Licensing Barriers for Makeup Artists

For 26 years, I’ve worked in professional makeup artistry across diverse mediums:

• Television shows
• Movies
• Runway productions
• Commercials
• Music videos
• Magazine shoots

Never once was I asked about an esthetician license. We are artists—sculptors of light who create illusions, characters, and beauty through our skill.

From Restriction to Legislation: My Personal Journey

When I moved to Portland 22 months ago, I chose the city for its thriving film and advertising industries. Two months ago, I discovered a devastating legal barrier: to work as a makeup artist in Oregon, I would need to spend thousands on an unrelated esthetician license.

My response? I didn’t go to beauty school. I went to the State Capitol!

How to Change a Law: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing legislation isn’t mysterious. Here’s how I did it:

1. Contact Your Legislator: Schedule a face-to-face meeting
2. Present Your Proposal: Clearly explain the issue
3. Bill Drafting: If approved, your legislator will draft a bill
4. Senate Process:
   • Two Senate readings
   • One Senate hearing (personal testimony)
5. House of Representatives Process:
   • Two House readings
   • One House hearing (additional testimony)
6. Final Approval: Governor signs the bill

Here is another example: How an Idea Becomes Law

This is how this bill happened. My first meeting with my district Senator was on March 8, 2013. I assembled a support team who wrote letters, called, and testified. Each reading and hearing was passed unanimously by every single person in attendance in the Senate and House. There were 27 Senate members and 57 House members in attendance. There were no work sessions. Senate Bill 836 passed on May 13, 2013, just two months after my first meeting. It is on the way to the Governor’s desk to be signed, and because it is declared an emergency, it will implemented into law immediately. The legislatures told me they have never seen a bill pass so smoothly and quickly, and they deal with thousands of bills each year. As my now seven year old would say, “That’s cool!”

The Legislative Timeline

• First Meeting with District Senator: March 8, 2013
• Bill Passage: May 13, 2013 (Just two months later!)
• Attendees:
  • 27 Senate members
  • 57 House members
• Result: Senate Bill 836 passed unanimously

Impact: More Than a Personal Victory

This isn’t just about me. It’s about:

• Empowering makeup artists in Oregon
• Supporting creative professionals
• Removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers

The legislative community was impressed—they’d never seen a bill pass so quickly.

I was not expecting to be a crusader or lobbyist when I moved to Oregon. I simply wanted to make a living doing what I know best, makeup. Now I can. So can a lot of other people in Oregon!

Community: The Real Winner

My journey taught me that change happens through collective action. With support from industry leaders and legislators, we transformed an restrictive law into an opportunity for creative professionals.

Key Takeaway: When passionate professionals unite, legislative change is possible.

Senate Bill 836: Liberating Makeup Artists, One Stroke at a Time

Feature about Law Change in Make-Up Artist Magazine

PRESS RELEASE

REP. JENNIFER WILLIAMSON
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 36 
For Immediate Release
May 14, 2013 

Oregon House votes to ease burden on hair and makeup artists
Rep. Williamson sponsored bill to help Oregon entrepreneurs succeed in Oregon’s growing entertainment industries 

SALEM – Yesterday the Oregon House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to ease regulations on hair and makeup artists, a critical professional niche in Oregon’s growing television and film production industries. Oregon law currently requires all hair and makeup artists to go through extensive training and obtain a license if they receive payment for their services. But for specialized hair and makeup artists working on TV or movie sets, the required training is an irrelevant and expensive burden. Senate Bill 836 would exempt hair and makeup artists working in film, television, or theater production from unnecessary and unrelated licensing requirements, thereby helping Oregon remain competitive in these prospering industries. Representative Jennifer Williamson (D – Portland) became a chief sponsor of Senate Bill 836 after hearing from a constituent who had immediate concerns regarding her and fellow artists’ ability to operate in their present positions without first obtaining a cosmetology license. “Today is a win for entrepreneurs and the entertainment industry here in Oregon,” Representative Williamson said. “We want to keep attracting production companies that provide Oregonians with exciting opportunities and jobs they rely on. This bill removes a burden from Oregonians who are working hard to earn a living in increasingly competitive, creative industries.”
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