Louisiana Legislature Considers Easing Licensing Requirements for Florists and Hair Braiders
In a move to remove unnecessary barriers to work across industries, the Louisiana Legislature is considering bills this year to ease the road to professions such as florists and hair braiders. House Bill 749 and 933 are at the forefront of this effort, aiming to remove onerous licensing requirements that have long been a point of contention.
HB 749 seeks to eliminate the 500-hour training requirement for hair braiders, while HB 933 aims to remove the licensing requirement for florists. Supporters of the bills argue that these requirements serve no health, welfare, or safety purpose and only hinder individuals from pursuing their chosen professions.
During a recent committee hearing, Rep. Mike Bayham highlighted that Louisiana is one of just 15 states that require a license for hair braiding, with the training costing students an average of $14,000. Betsy Sanz, an attorney at the Institute for Justice, emphasized that the training does little to improve public safety, as braiding is a safe practice that does not involve the use of chemicals.
The bills have faced opposition in the past, with some lawmakers suggesting alternative measures such as implementing skills tests or increasing training hours. However, supporters are hopeful for a different outcome this year, as the committee has deferred a decision on HB 749 to further address concerns.
As the debate continues, the fate of these bills remains uncertain, but the push to ease licensing requirements for florists and hair braiders in Louisiana is gaining momentum.