Louisiana is close to doing something long overdue. House Bill (HB) 509 by Representative Pat Moore, which would enhance economic freedom and bring commonsense reform for Louisiana’s hair braiders, recently passed Louisiana’s House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bill awaits a hearing in the Senate Committee on Commerce. Representative Mike Bayham also introduced a similar bill, HB 370. If one of these bills becomes law, Louisiana would become the 38th state in taking a step toward safeguarding economic independence, honoring cultural tradition, and removing excessive red tape for these Louisiana entrepreneurs.

And no matter where Louisianans fall on the political spectrum, this is something to celebrate.

HB 509 eliminates obsolete requirements that forced natural hair braiders to undergo hundreds of hours of superfluous cosmetology training just to practice their craft legally. Let’s be clear: hair braiding is not cosmetology. It involves no chemicals, heat treatments, or cutting. Still, until now, aspiring braiders currently have to pay thousands of dollars and invest 500 hours or more into schooling that has little to do with the art of braiding. Interestingly, a licensed cosmetologist in Louisiana can legally braid hair, even if he or she was never trained to do so.

These requirements are more than regulation; they’re a barrier disproportionately impacts Black women and low-income workers, stifling their ability to start and grow an enterprise.

This legislation is a clear win for occupational licensure reform. It eliminates burdensome constraints that restrict small business and creativity when there are no implications for public health or safety risks.

Beyond that, HB 509 is about cultural acknowledgement. It recognizes the systemic barriers that have long restricted economic progress for low-income communities. Finally, it creates space for previously overlooked traditions in the legal and economic mainstream, and opens doors for women to create income, open salons, and teach others their craft without being entangled in licensing woes.

As Representative Moore noted, “This bill promotes economic growth…and creates real opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

It’s also a welcome change for young people watching lawmakers. With this legislation, Louisiana is saying loud and clear: small businesses matter. Your skills matter. Your ability to succeed shouldn’t be blocked by policies that are disconnected from reality.

Louisiana is making it a little easier to legitimize a long-held tradition and a whole lot easier to grow a thriving business. Hopefully the Senate will agree and make this new opportunity a reality.