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SF 113

Braider opportunity act.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ocean Andrew and 14 co-sponsors

Wyoming exempts natural hair braiding from the Cosmetology Act; preserves regulation of chemicals/colors, lets salons require private braider certification, effective immediately.

Assigned Chapter Number 80
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Bill Summary · SF 113

Summary — SF 113: "Braider Opportunity Act" (Enrolled Act No. 48, Chapter 80 — 2025)

Main purpose

To exempt the practice of natural hair braiding from regulation under the Wyoming Cosmetology Act, while clarifying permitted activities, limiting the exemption (chemical/color services remain regulated), and allowing private salon owners to require their own certification for braiders working in their salons.

Key provisions

  • Amends W.S. 33-12-120 and 33-12-140 to add definitions and exemptions.
  • Defines key terms:
    • "Braiding device" — e.g., clip, comb, crochet hook, rollers, scissors, blunt‑tipped needles, thread, hair binders.
    • "Practice of natural hair braiding" — includes twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking or braiding hair by hand or with a device; use of decorative beads/accessories; minor trimming incidental to braiding or hair extensions; making and lacing wigs from natural/synthetic hair or extensions; and the use of topical agents (conditioners, gels, moisturizers, oils, pomades).
    • Explicitly excludes application of dyes, reactive chemicals, chemical straightening/curling/structure alteration, and chemical joining agents (e.g., synthetic tape, keratin/fusion bonds).
  • Establishes that the practice of natural hair braiding:
    • Is not regulated under the Wyoming Cosmetology Act and is distinct from barbering, hair styling, and cosmetology.
    • Does not preclude a salon owner from requiring private certification of a person engaged in natural hair braiding at that salon.

Who is affected

  • Natural hair braiders in Wyoming: no longer subject to Cosmetology Act licensing/requirements for the braided services defined in the bill.
  • Salon owners: may impose private certification requirements for braiders working in their establishments.
  • Cosmetology/barbering practitioners and regulators: chemical and other excluded services remain regulated under existing law; scope of regulated cosmetology services is clarified.
  • Wig makers and persons performing minor, incidental trimming in connection with braiding are included in the exemption as defined.

Regulatory and enforcement notes

  • The exemption removes state cosmetology regulation for the defined braiding activities but does not create a state‑issued alternative certification; salons retain the ability to require private certification.
  • Services involving chemical processing, coloring, structural alteration, or chemical joining remain subject to cosmetology/barber law.

Fiscal impact and effective date

  • Fiscal note: No fiscal or personnel impact.
  • Effective: Immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for the bill to become law (i.e., immediate effect following the usual enactment process). Governor signed SEA No. 0048 Feb 28, 2025; assigned Chapter No. 80.

Legislative history & votes (selected)

  • Introduced: Jan 23, 2025.
  • S10 — Labor: Recommend Do Pass (5–0).
  • Senate passage: Passed 3rd Reading 29–2.
  • H10 — Labor: Recommend Amend and Do Pass (8–0–1).
  • House passage: Passed 3rd Reading 58–1–3.
  • Governor signed; enrolled as Enrolled Act No. 48, Chapter 80.

Sponsors (selected)

Primary sponsors: Senators Hutchings and Donahue; multiple cosponsors in both chambers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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