An Act To Permit Hair Braiding without a Barbering or Cosmetology License

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  many new Americans who had hair braiding businesses in their countries of origin would like to start hair braiding businesses in Maine and current Maine cosmetology and barbering regulations are burdensome and inapplicable for individuals who want to open within their communities shops that offer only hair braiding services; and

Whereas,  an exemption from licensure for hair braiding services would help many individuals start small businesses and assist with their participation in the Maine economy, which benefits all citizens of the State; and

Whereas,  this legislation needs to take effect before the end of the 90-day period in order to benefit the economy as soon as possible; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §14203, sub-§3  is enacted to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.