Texas Cracks Down on Botox Injections

In a 107-32 vote on Monday, the Texas House gave preliminary approval to a bill aimed at clarifying the limitations of services offered by barbers and cosmetologists. The bill, which follows a KXAN investigation highlighting medical concerns related to Botox injections, seeks to tighten regulations around certain procedures that blur the lines between cosmetic services and medical practices. The investigation, aired by NewsNation affiliate KXAN, brought attention to the potential risks of non-medical professionals performing medical procedures like Botox injections without proper training or oversight.

“This bill is a cleanup bill that clarifies limitations for estheticians and cosmetologists,” said State Rep. Dade Phelan, to KXAN, who laid out the legislation on the House side. The legislation aims to ensure that services like Botox injections, which require precise medical knowledge, remain within the scope of licensed medical professionals. The bill stipulates that a person performing services within the realm of barbering or cosmetology cannot make incisions into the skin’s dermis layer or inject substances unless they are specifically authorized or licensed to do so.

The bill defines a clear line between what constitutes a cosmetic service and what is considered a medical procedure. Barbers and cosmetologists can no longer perform acts like making incisions or using medical devices unless they hold the proper medical certification. The law does allow exceptions—beauty professionals with additional medical licenses, such as for administering Botox or other injectable treatments, will still be authorized to perform these tasks within their professional scope.

In cases where a professional is under investigation for performing unauthorized services, the burden of proof is on the licensee to show they are authorized to carry out the procedure. This shift ensures that beauty professionals are held accountable and that consumers are protected from potential harm due to unqualified practitioners performing procedures outside their scope.

The bill does not interfere with the authority of other state agencies that regulate medical professions. For instance, the Texas Medical Board will continue to have full authority over practices such as Botox injections or other medical-grade skin treatments, ensuring that these services are performed only by those with the necessary qualifications.

After passing through the Senate with unanimous support in March 2025, the bill gained final approval in the House on May 20, 2025. With strong bipartisan backing, the bill is now on its way to the governor’s desk for signature. If approved, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

This move is designed to set clear boundaries within the beauty industry, ensuring that medical procedures remain under the jurisdiction of licensed healthcare providers, while beauty professionals can continue to focus on their craft. By addressing the growing concerns about unqualified professionals performing medical procedures, Texas is taking a proactive step to maintain high safety standards and protect the public from unnecessary risks.