LOCAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MEASURE BECOMES LAW

New law eliminates current regulatory barriers preventing hair braiding businesses

AUGUSTA –  A measure that allows individuals to provide hair braiding only services without a barbering and cosmetology licensure became law without the governor’s signature yesterday.

Sen. Anne Haskell of Portland

“This is a good opportunity for state government to get out of the way of entrepreneurs wishing to open small businesses that are culturally important and pose no threat to public health and safety,” said Senator Anne Haskell of Portland, the sponsor of the bill. “In a free and open market, natural hair care would have great potential for entrepreneurial and employment opportunities by providing popular services and products to consumers.”

The bill, LD 847, “An Act To Permit Hair Braiding without a Barbering or Cosmetology License” was unanimously supported by the Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development Committee and passed “under the hammer”with unanimous consent by both the House and Senate.

Prior to this legislation, hair braiding was regulated within the department of cosmetology, and the required a license. Nationwide, natural hair care has grown into a multi-million dollar industry.

“This is economic development at its best,” added Senator Haskell. “This law provides a means for new Americans to take the first steps up the economic ladder and to help others up the ladder as well.”

Karen Mills, former SBA Administrator, reports that immigrants are two times more likely to start a business than native citizens. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston reported in 2013 that Hispanic and Asian businesses alone contribute nearly $400 million dollars to Maine’s economy and they employ over 3,000 people.

During the public hearing, the Committee heard from Mariama Jallow, a new Mainer, originally from the Gambia in West Africa, “There are a lot of African ladies like me who want to start their own businesses and earn an honest living. These licensing restrictions are preventing us from showing our skills and joining the small business community in Portland.”

The measure received support from the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, the Small Business Advocate’s office, CEI, a community development institution, among others.

Since the bill is an emergency measure, it doesn’t have to wait 90 days post adjournment sine die to become law. The law is effective immediately.