Bill Summary
The proposed legislation, known as the "Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act" (or "SALONS Stories Act"), amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to enhance funding for domestic violence prevention efforts. Specifically, it aims to increase grants for states that implement training programs for cosmetologists and barbers focused on recognizing and responding to domestic violence.
Key provisions of the bill include:
1. **Eligibility Criteria**: States must have laws requiring cosmetologists and barbers to undergo specific training on domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.
2. **Training Requirements**: The training must be provided at no cost and can be delivered online or in-person by recognized victim service providers. It focuses on how to identify signs of domestic violence and how to refer affected individuals to appropriate resources.
3. **Grant Increases**: Eligible states can apply for a grant increase of up to 10% above their average funding from the previous three years, contingent on available funds.
4. **Duration and Renewal**: Grants are awarded for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years total.
5. **Funding Authorization**: The legislation proposes an appropriation of $5 million each fiscal year from 2027 to 2033 to support these initiatives.
Overall, this act seeks to leverage the unique position of cosmetologists and barbers as trusted community figures to improve identification and support for victims of domestic violence, thereby enhancing community safety and awareness.
Possible Impacts
The "Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act" (SALONS Stories Act) aims to enhance domestic violence prevention through increased training for cosmetologists and barbers. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Increased Awareness and Support for Victims:**
With cosmetologists and barbers receiving training to recognize signs of domestic violence, they could become a crucial resource for victims seeking help. For instance, a stylist who notices unusual bruising or signs of distress in a client might intervene by offering support or referring them to local domestic violence resources. This could lead to more victims receiving timely assistance and potentially escaping abusive situations.
2. **Enhanced Training Opportunities:**
The legislation mandates that states provide qualifying training at no cost to individuals seeking licensure as cosmetologists or barbers. This could make the profession more appealing to new entrants, particularly those motivated by a desire to help others. Consequently, the beauty industry could see an influx of professionals who are not only skilled in their craft but also equipped with the knowledge to support clients in crisis, thereby fostering a more supportive community environment.
3. **Increased Funding for Domestic Violence Programs:**
The grant increases available to states that implement this training could lead to better-funded domestic violence prevention programs and resources. For example, a state that successfully applies for these grants could use the funds to expand local shelters, offer counseling services, or run public awareness campaigns about domestic violence. This bolstered support system could improve overall community safety and resilience against domestic violence, benefiting both victims and the broader population.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 520 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 520
To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to
increase grants to combat domestic violence for States that implement
domestic violence prevention training for cosmetologists and barbers,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 11, 2025
Mrs. Blackburn (for herself, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Collins, Ms. Hirono,
Mr. Boozman, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mrs. Shaheen) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to
increase grants to combat domestic violence for States that implement
domestic violence prevention training for cosmetologists and barbers,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting the Abused by Learning
Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act'' or the ``SALONS Stories
Act''.
SEC. 2. GRANT INCREASES.
Part T of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act
of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10441 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 2019. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION TRAINING FOR COSMETOLOGISTS
AND BARBERS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means a
State that has in effect a law that requires each individual
seeking licensure from the State as a cosmetologist or barber
to undergo qualifying training.
``(2) Qualifying training.--The term `qualifying training',
with respect to training for individuals seeking licensure from
a State as a cosmetologist or barber, means online or in-person
training, at no cost to the individual, provided by a victim
service provider that--
``(A) focuses on how to--
``(i) recognize the signs of domestic
violence;
``(ii) respond to the signs of domestic
violence; and
``(iii) refer a client of the individual to
resources for victims of domestic violence; and
``(B) may include a component focused on sexual
assault, stalking, and dating violence.
``(b) Grant Increase.--Subject to the availability of funds
pursuant to subsection (e), the Attorney General shall increase the
amount of a grant awarded under section 2007(a) to an eligible State by
an amount that is not more than 10 percent of the average of the total
amount of funding provided to the State under section 2007(a) under the
3 most recent awards to the State.
``(c) Application.--An eligible State seeking a grant increase
under this section shall submit an application to the Attorney General
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Attorney General may reasonably require, including information about
the law of the eligible State described in subsection (a)(1).
``(d) Grant Increase Term.--
``(1) In general.--The term of a grant increase under this
section shall be for 1 year.
``(2) Renewal.--An eligible State that receives a grant
increase under this section may submit an application for a
renewal of such grant increase at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Attorney General may
reasonably require.
``(3) Limit.--An eligible State may not receive a grant
increase under this section for more than 3 years.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2027 through 2033, which shall remain available until
expended.''.
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