Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §14235-A is enacted to read:

§14235-A.__Inactive status

1.__Procedures for placing license on inactive status.__The following are procedures for placing a license on inactive status.

A.__A licensee may apply to the board to have the licensee's license placed on inactive status.__To apply to the board to have a license placed on inactive status, the licensee must complete an application form to place the license on inactive status and pay a $20 processing fee.

B.__A former licensee who is not currently licensed to practice cosmetology, aesthetics, barbering or manicuring and who does not hold a license on inactive status must pay all lapsed renewal fees and submit proof satisfactory to the board of the completion of 8 hours of continuing education pursuant to subchapter 5 prior to receiving a new license.

C.__A licensee who has held a license on inactive status for more than 2 years may have the licensee's license restored without passing an examination and by paying any applicable fees and providing proof of satisfactory completion of 16 hours of continuing education pursuant to subchapter 5.

Sec. 2. 32 MRSA c. 126, sub-c. 5 is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER 5

CONTINUING EDUCATION

§14261.__Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Biennial licensing period.__"Biennial licensing period" means the 2-year period beginning on July 1st and ending June 30th 2 years later.

2.__Course.__"Course" means a continuing education course approved by the board pursuant to section 14263.

3. Eligible offering entity.__"Eligible offering entity" means a nonprofit professional association, a college or a university, a vocational school, a postsecondary proprietary school of cosmetology licensed by the board, a manufacturer of