Assembly passes Bill to allow more individuals, especially female entrepreneurs, to practice the art of natural hair braiding without unnecessary training. Now on to the Senate.

Madison, WI – Wednesday, Assembly Bill 121, relating to the deregulation of natural hair braiding, passed through the Wisconsin State Assembly, and now heads to the Wisconsin State Senate. This bill specifies that a person does not need to obtain a barbering or cosmetology license in order to perform natural hair braiding. On AB 121’s passage, Representative Stubbs (D-77) issued the following statement:

“Equity is about opening opportunities, and removing barriers. This legislation will allow for more individuals, especially female entrepreneurs, to practice the art of natural hair braiding without unnecessary training. AB 121 removes restrictions and opens opportunities for hair braiders in our state, many of whom are Black women. This will not only improve their economic lives, but also stimulate our state’s economy as a whole.”

“Across Wisconsin, many Black Women practice the time honored tradition of natural hair braiding. So many mothers, daughters, aunts and grandmothers were raised with the knowledge of how to braid hair, and how hair braiding is connected to their family and their culture. No license should stand in the way of practicing time honored traditions”

“Under this legislation, Wisconsinites will no longer be burdened by these licensing requirements. Instead natural hair braiders can spend more time honing their craft instead of spending time and money on programs that have little to do with braiding. Thirty other states have analyzed natural hair braiding and came to the proper conclusion that cosmetology and barbering licenses are unnecessary. Wisconsin should follow suit, and AB 121 will allow our great state to get on the right track.

“Here in Wisconsin, we move forward. It does not matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican, or if you are Black or white, we all agree that our state should foster success wherever possible. I want to thank all of my colleagues that stood with me on this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to seeing it pass through the Senate, and be signed into law”