HB4040, the SALONS Stories Act, would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to create a financial incentive for states that require domestic violence prevention training as part of cosmetologist and barber licensing. The training would have to be provided online or in person at no cost by a nonprofit anti-domestic violence organization and would focus on recognizing signs of domestic violence, responding appropriately, and referring clients to victim resources.
The bill directs the Attorney General to increase certain federal domestic violence grant awards to qualifying states by up to 10 percent of the average of the state’s three most recent awards. States would have to apply for the increase and show that they have enacted the required licensing-law training. The grant increase would last one year at a time, could be renewed, and could not be received for more than three years. The bill authorizes $5 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2032 to fund the program.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new subsection to section 2007 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, creating a federal grant bonus tied to state licensing requirements for cosmetologists and barbers. It would not directly mandate state licensing laws, but it would encourage states to adopt domestic violence prevention training requirements by linking them to increased federal funding. The measure would affect state domestic violence programs, state licensing boards, nonprofit anti-domestic violence organizations, and the Department of Justice, particularly the Attorney General’s administration of grants.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally positive or supportive sentiment, as the bill was introduced by bipartisan sponsors and framed as a survivor-support and prevention measure. No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or recorded debate in the provided materials. The bill’s design indicates an emphasis on practical, low-cost intervention through professional training rather than punitive regulation.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided record. Potential areas of debate, based on the bill text, could include whether the federal government should use grant incentives to influence state licensing policy, whether the training requirement imposes burdens on cosmetologists and barbers, and whether the program’s funding level and three-year cap are sufficient. However, no member statements, amendments, or votes are available here to show actual disagreement.
To make technical amendments to update statutory references to provisions reclassified to title 34, United States Code, and to correct related technical errors.
A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team grant program, and for other purposes.