SB269 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Vivian Davis Figures

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Cosmetology, to remove hair braiding from definition of cosmetology and exlude from requirements of licensure, to provide registration process, Sec. 22-1-19 added; Sec. 34-7B-1 am'd.

Summary

SB269 would remove hair braiding from the definition of cosmetology and require hair braiders to register with the Alabama Department of Public Health, instead of being licensed by the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would stop treating hair braiding as part of cosmetology under the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. It creates a new registration system with the Department of Public Health for people who braid hair for pay, including a uniform registration fee (up to $25) and a required infection-control brochure with a self-test. The department could inspect places where braiding happens to ensure the brochure and self-test are available. The registration does not confer licensing or broader regulation beyond this listing, and existing licensed cosmetologists and barbers would not be required to register as hair braiders.

Who It Affects

• Hair braiders who braid for compensation in Alabama: must register with the Alabama Department of Public Health, pay up to a $25 fee, maintain an infection-control brochure and complete a self-test, and be subject to potential department visits.
• Licensed cosmetologists and barbers: braiding would no longer be regulated by the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering for their braiding activities, and the registration requirement would not apply to them; their existing licenses remain in effect for their regulated practices.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-7B-1 to remove hair braiding from the definition of cosmetology and to exclude braiding from Board licensure and regulation.
• Adds Section 22-1-19 requiring hair braiders to register with the Alabama Department of Public Health and to pay a uniform registration fee not more than $25.
• Requires the Department of Public Health to provide an infection-control brochure for hair braiders, available online or by mail for a fee, including a self-test for the registrant to complete and keep on site.
• Authorizes Department visits to facilities where hair braiding is performed to verify the brochure and self-test are available.
• Clarifies the registration is for record-keeping and does not license or regulate braiding beyond registration, and does not apply to licensed cosmetologists or barbers engaged in their licensed fields.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Cosmetology