SB 1620 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO NATURAL HAIR BRAIDING.

SB 1620 exempts natural hair braiders from state licensing requirements when operating under specific conditions. The bill directly affects individuals who provide natural hair braiding services, such as cornrows or locs, by removing a barrier to entry for this service. Key provisions establish that braiders meeting defined criteria - like completing training or adhering to hygiene standards - will not need a state license to practice. This change aims to reduce regulatory hurdles for braiders while maintaining safety standards. The bill passed committee recommendation on February 7, 2025.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 23, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
14
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Mar 6, 2025
Committee
Re-referred to CPC, referral sheet 19
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Committee
Referred to HLT, CPC, referral sheet 18
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Introduced
Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 36).
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
upper
Feb 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Report adopted; Passed Second Reading.
upper
Feb 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in CPN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Richards, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
upper
Jan 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-07-25 9:50AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
upper
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to CPN.
upper
Jan 23, 2025
Introduced
Introduced.
upper
6 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors