# The SALONS Stories Act: What It Does

This bill creates a financial incentive for states to require cosmetologists and barbers to receive training on recognizing and responding to domestic violence. If a state passes a law requiring this training for anyone getting a cosmetology or barber license, that state becomes eligible to receive extra federal grant money to help combat domestic violence.

Here's how it works in practice: States that implement this training requirement can receive up to a 10 percent increase on their existing federal domestic violence grants. For example, if a state currently receives $1 million in federal funding to fight domestic violence, they could get an additional $100,000 by requiring the training. The extra funding lasts for one year at a time and can be renewed, but states can only receive this bonus for a maximum of three years.

The training itself would be free for cosmetologists and barbers seeking their licenses and would be provided by nonprofit organizations that work against domestic violence. The training focuses on three key skills: recognizing signs of abuse, responding appropriately when someone shows those signs, and connecting clients with victim resources. The idea behind this approach is that cosmetologists and barbers see clients regularly in private, intimate settings where people might feel comfortable disclosing abuse or showing visible signs of it. By training these professionals to recognize and respond to domestic violence, the bill aims to create another pathway for victims to get help. The federal government would spend up to $5 million per year from 2026 through 2032 to fund these grant increases.