Sen. Marika Coleman’s bill to exempt traditional braiding from cosmetology training wins favorable report

Sen. Marika Coleman, D-Jefferson County, presented SB183 to a House committee, saying the bill would exempt traditional African and African American hair-braiding practices from the statutory definition of cosmetology so practitioners would not have to complete the 420 hours of cosmetology training currently required. "Many of us have learned how to braid since we're about 5 years old," Coleman said, and the bill "will give them an opportunity to then get a business license" and earn income through their work.

The proposal, Coleman said, aims to move people "from out of the home, into self-sufficiency and owning their own business." Committee members did not raise extended debate; Representative Morris made a motion to report the bill favorably and Representative Lance seconded. The chair announced the bill had been given a favorable report.

Supporters in the session framed the bill as a way to reduce regulatory barriers for people practicing traditional braiding and to expand small-business opportunities. The measure would alter how the cosmetology statutory definition applies to ‘‘natural decorating’’ practices, according to Coleman, removing them from the licensure requirement so practitioners could seek business licenses instead of completing cosmetology training hours.

The committee did not take further action on implementing regulations or offer a timeline for enactment during the meeting. The bill now proceeds with a favorable committee report; further floor action and any required statutory drafting would occur in later stages.