Texas CE Guide · Updated 2026-07-19

The Human Trafficking Prevention CE Requirement

As of September 1, 2025, one hour of human trafficking prevention training is a required part of continuing education for every Texas barbering and cosmetology license renewal — no exemptions, including licensees with 15+ years. It's included inside your existing hours, not added on top. Here's where the requirement comes from, what the hour covers, and why the state put it in your industry's CE.

Where the requirement comes from

House Bill 1778 (89th Legislature, 2025) added §1603.302 to the Texas Occupations Code, directing the licensing commission to adopt rules requiring license holders to complete continuing education on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. TDLR implemented it in rule 16 TAC §83.25 for renewals on or after September 1, 2025.

It's one of the required hours inside the standard 4-hour CE — and one of the two hours in the reduced 15+ year requirement. Nobody renews without it.

What the hour must cover

Under TDLR's rule, the training addresses:

  • Activities commonly associated with human trafficking
  • Recognizing potential victims of human trafficking
  • Methods for assisting victims, including how to report suspected trafficking

Why barbers and cosmetologists?

Salon and barbershop professionals see clients repeatedly, up close, in a setting where people talk. That puts you in a rare position to notice signs most people never see — controlled communication, someone else holding a client's ID or money, branding tattoos, fear of a companion. The training exists because practitioners have been the ones to spot and report real cases.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888 (text 233733). The course covers when and how to use it safely.

How to complete it

You don't need a separate course: our TDLR-approved 4-hour and 2-hour CE courses both include the required human trafficking prevention hour, alongside sanitation (and, in the 4-hour course, Texas law and professional practices). Finish once, and the whole requirement is met.

Frequently asked questions

Is human trafficking training a separate course from my CE?

No. It's 1 required hour inside your existing CE — part of the 4-hour requirement, and one of the two hours in the reduced 15+ year requirement. Any TDLR-approved course that includes the hour satisfies it.

Do 15+ year licensees have to take it?

Yes. Since September 1, 2025 the reduced requirement is 2 hours: 1 hour sanitation plus 1 hour human trafficking prevention.

What law created this requirement?

HB 1778 (2025) added Texas Occupations Code §1603.302, and TDLR implemented it in rule 16 TAC §83.25 effective for renewals on or after September 1, 2025.

Is the training available in Spanish?

Ours is — the full course, including the human trafficking prevention hour, is available in English and Spanish.

Official sources