Hawaii SB2876: Relating to Natural Hair Braiding.

What the bill says

A bill for an act relating to natural hair braiding.

From the enrolled text:

A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NATURAL HAIR BRAIDING. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that natural hair braiding is a traditional practice that does not present significant health and safety risks to consumers or practitioners. While natural hair braiding is distinct from the practice of cosmetology or barbering, existing law has been interpreted to require natural hair braiders to obtain a license from the board of barbering and cosmetology, imposing an undue burden on those who engage in natural hair braiding as a profession. Licensees are required to undergo education and training for cosmetology practices that are outside the scope of natural hair braiding, such as nail care and makeup application. For these reasons, the legislature believes it is inappropriate for natural hair braiders to be subject to the licensure requirements under the Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act. The legislature further finds that, although natural hair braiders should be exempt from licensure due to the nature of their practice, natural hair braiding nevertheless involves 2026-2496 SB2876 CDl SMA.docx ■■liBiiniiiiiiiMiniiiiii Page S.B. NO. direct contact with clients and the use of tools and materials that, if not properly sanitized or sterilized, may create conditions that pose risks to the health and safety of clients. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require natural hair braiders to be registered, rather …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Donna Kim (D, 14) · primary sponsor
• Lynn DeCoite (D, 7)
• Samantha DeCorte (R, 22)
• Troy Hashimoto (D, 5)
• Angus McKelvey (D, 6)
• Tim Richards (D, SD-004)

Latest actions

1. June 4, 2026: Act 074, on 06/03/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1174).
2. June 4, 2026: Act 074, 06/03/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1174).
3. May 8, 2026: Enrolled to Governor.
4. May 8, 2026: Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
5. May 6, 2026: Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816).
6. May 6, 2026: Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
7. May 6, 2026: Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none.
8. April 29, 2026: Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26.
9. April 29, 2026: Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 91-26) as amended in (CD 1).
10. April 29, 2026: 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26.

Votes

• Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1) (May 6, 2026): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (May 6, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• none. (April 29, 2026): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Conference Committee Vote (April 29, 2026): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (April 14, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Second Reading as amended in HD 1; placed on the calendar for Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1) (April 9, 2026): 50 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB2876?

SB2876 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Natural Hair Braiding.

What does SB2876 do?

In its own words: A bill for an act relating to natural hair braiding.

What is the status of SB2876?

Signed into law as of June 4, 2026. Latest action: Act 074, on 06/03/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1174). (June 4, 2026).

Who sponsored SB2876?

Donna Kim (D, 14), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB2876?

On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2876&year=2026