The "SALONS Stories Act" increases grant funding to states that require cosmetologists and barbers to undergo domestic violence prevention training, enabling them to recognize and respond to signs of abuse and provide resources to victims.
Marsha Blackburn
Senator
TN
The SALONS Stories Act aims to support domestic violence prevention by increasing grant funding to states that require cosmetologists and barbers to undergo training on recognizing and responding to signs of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. This training will equip them to refer clients to resources for victims. The Attorney General can increase grants to eligible states by up to 10% for up to three years, with $5,000,000 authorized annually from 2027 through 2033 for this purpose.
SALONS Stories Act: New Bill Boosts Funds for States Training Salon Professionals in Domestic Violence Awareness
The "Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act," or SALONS Stories Act, is pretty straightforward, and it's got a clever angle. It amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to incentivize states to train cosmetologists and barbers in spotting signs of domestic violence.
Turning Salons into Safe Spaces
The core idea? Equip salon professionals – who often build close, trusting relationships with clients – to recognize abuse and connect victims with help. The bill does this by offering states extra grant money if they require licensed cosmetologists and barbers to complete "qualifying training." (SEC. 2). This training, provided by victim service providers, must be free to those seeking licensure and covers recognizing and responding to signs of domestic violence, as well as providing resources. It can be online or in-person, and may also touch on sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. (SEC. 2).
Show Me the Money
Here's the financial incentive: Eligible states (those that mandate the training) can get an increase in their existing grants under section 2007(a) of the 1968 Act. The increase can be up to 10% of the average funding they've received in the past three years. (SEC. 2). Think of it as a bonus for states that take this step. This isn't a forever deal, though. States can only get this increased grant for a maximum of three years, and it requires a yearly renewal application. (SEC. 2).
Funding the Front Lines
To make this happen, the bill authorizes $5 million each year from 2027 through 2033. (SEC. 2). That money is specifically earmarked for these grant increases and stays available until it's used. (SEC. 2). So, for example, if a state like Illinois already mandates similar training, they could apply for extra funds to enhance their programs. A stylist in Chicago, as part of their regular licensing, might now get more in-depth training on how to discreetly offer support to a client showing signs of abuse.
Potential Snags
While the intent is solid, there are a few things to watch. States could, in theory, create bare-minimum training programs just to grab the extra cash. The bill doesn't deeply define "qualifying training," which could lead to inconsistencies across states. (SEC. 2). It's also crucial that the funds are actually used for the intended purpose and not diverted elsewhere. Overall, though, it's a targeted approach to a serious problem, using existing infrastructure (licensing requirements) to potentially reach more people in need.