Committee unanimously backs exemption for natural hair braiders from cosmetology licensing

The House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee voted unanimously (6–0) to give House Bill 281 a do-pass recommendation. The bill would define hair braiding and exempt braiders and locticians from barbering/cosmetology licensure.

Representative Janelle Nyunornu presented HB 281 and introduced expert witnesses. Timothy Green, appointed culture-change leader for the city of Albuquerque, testified the exemption would remove “unnecessary and costly licensing requirements” that disproportionately affect braiders and locticians. Niima Kamaria Hanifa Pickett, who leads the Office of Black Community Engagement for Albuquerque and is a licensed cosmetologist, described braiding as an intergenerational cultural practice and said the current required training focuses on chemical services not used by braiders.

Rachel Gonzalez of the Institute for Justice explained the bill simply “defines the practice of hair braiding and exempts it from licensure,” and noted that many other states have similar exemptions. Community braiders and business owners described using braiding as an income source and called the current licensing requirements a barrier to entrepreneurship.

Committee members asked technical questions. Representative Liz Thompson flagged confusing language on a provision that would prevent punitive action against someone who braided before later obtaining a cosmetology license; sponsors said the language is intended to avoid retroactive discipline for people who later become licensed. Representative Tony Block suggested clarifying language to provide a clear cutoff date; sponsors agreed to clean up the statutory text in subsequent committee work.

After brief public testimony in support from several braiders, entrepreneurs and community groups, the committee approved the do-pass recommendation 6–0. The bill will move forward in the legislative process.