Bill > SB2876

This bill, effective January 1, 2028, will require individuals who practice natural hair braiding to be registered with the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, rather than licensed, as the current law has been interpreted to impose an unnecessary burden by requiring training in unrelated cosmetology practices. The bill defines "natural hair braiding" to include various methods of styling hair by hand or with tools, as well as the use of extensions and topical agents, but explicitly excludes services like dyeing or chemically altering hair structure. To obtain registration, braiders must complete an approved course on sanitation, health, and safety, pay a fee, and renew their registration every two years. The Board is mandated to establish rules for these approved courses by November 1, 2026. The bill also clarifies that this registration does not exempt braiders from regulations if they perform services requiring a cosmetology or barbering license, and it updates various sections of existing law to include "registrations" alongside "licenses" and "registrants" alongside "licensees" where applicable.