GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 468 2017 Regular Session Emerson
(KEYWORD, SUMMARY, AND DIGEST as amended by Senate committee
amendments)
COSMETOLOG Y: Provides for unregulated services within the Louisiana
Cosmetology Act
DIGEST
Proposed law creates the following definitions: "mechanical devices", "natural hair braider",
"natural hair braiding", "natural hair braiding service", and "unregulated service" or
"unregulated services".
Proposed law defines unregulated services as those services not defined or interpreted as the
practice of cosmetology in present law and proposed law. Provides that unregulated services
are exempt from regulation by the La. State Bd. of Cosmetology. Further provides that
natural hair braiding and natural hair braiding services performed by a natural hair braider
are unregulated services.
Proposed law provides that "natural hair braiding" does not include any of the following:
(1)Application of dyes, reactive chemicals, or other preparations to alter the color of the
hair or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the hair.
(2)Use of chemical hair joining agents such as synthetic tape, keratin bonds, or fusion
bonds.
Proposed law provides that natural hair braiding may be used to reference African hair
braiding or styling, but is not limited to any particular cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious
forms of hair styles.
Proposed law preempts government ordinances that prohibit natural hair braiding, natural
hair braiding services, or natural hair braiders, or regulate any matter relating to the licensing,
testing, training, facilities, or equipment of natural hair braiding, natural hair braiding
services, or natural hair braiders as provided in proposed law.
Proposed law shall not prevent or prohibit a local governing authority from levying an
occupational tax on natural hair braiding services.
(Amends R.S. 37:563(intro. para.) and (13)-(17); Adds R.S. 37:563(18)-(22) and 581.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer
Protection, and International Affairs to the engrossed bill
1. Removes the terms curling irons and scissors from the definition of
"mechanical devices".
2. Removes minor trimming of natural hair or hair extensions incidental to
twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding hair from the
definition of "natural hair braiding".
3. Provides that the preemption provision in proposed law shall not prevent or
prohibit a local governing authority from levying an occupation tax on natural
hair braiding services.
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Prepared by Michelle D. Ridge.