Sponsors (12)
The bill directs federal funds to improve textured-hair training and support MWBE providers and state programs, boosting job readiness and targeted businesses while restricting eligibility, adding administrative burdens, and increasing federal spending.
Students in cosmetology programs (especially learners of textured hair) will receive new, specific training on shampooing, conditioning, braiding, twisting, and styling textured hair, improving job readiness and employability.
Small, minority- and women-owned businesses with certified textured-hair expertise and State workforce programs can receive federal subgrants to develop curricula, hire/train instructors, and run competitive training programs, which can increase business revenue and local employment in cosmetology-related jobs.
Cosmetology instructors and programs can access funding for digital training and curriculum resources, expanding teaching tools, program reach, and the quality of instruction for textured-hair care.
Taxpayers will finance a targeted federal grant program for up to four years without an offset, increasing federal spending.
Smaller or newer businesses and individual trainers are excluded because applicants must be MWBE-certified and in business at least five years, limiting competition and access for many potential providers.
Cosmetology schools that previously received federal funds (other than these subgrants) are barred from eligibility, potentially excluding experienced training providers and reducing options for students.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes Labor‑administered grants to States to fund Minority‑ or Women‑owned businesses to add textured‑hair training into cosmetology school curricula.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to States for the purpose of providing subgrants to eligible entities for education and technical training on how to perform cosmetology services on textured hair.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Nydia M. Velázquez · Last progress July 17, 2025
Creates a federal competitive grant program, run by the Secretary of Labor, that gives funds to States to award subgrants to qualifying Minority‑ or Women‑owned cosmetology businesses to add education and technical training on caring for and styling textured hair into cosmetology school curricula. Grants last up to four years (renewable); subgrants typically run six months (renewable). The program funds curriculum development, instructor hiring/training, and digital training, and includes reporting requirements for States and subrecipients.