Texture Positive Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 4539

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Labor and Employment

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-07-17: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-09-11T17:08:12Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Texture Positive Act of 2025 aims to improve cosmetology education by funding specialized training on handling textured hair—defined as hair that is naturally coiled, curly, or wavy. It directs the U.S. Department of Labor to provide grants to states, which then distribute subgrants to qualified organizations to integrate this training into cosmetology school curricula, addressing gaps in skills for serving diverse hair types.

Key Provisions

• Grant Authorization and Process: The Secretary of Labor awards competitive grants to states (including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories) for up to 4 years, with renewal possible. States must apply with details on planned subgrants.
• Subgrants to Eligible Entities: States award competitive subgrants (up to 6 months, renewable) to "eligible entities," which are minority- or women-owned businesses established for at least 5 years, with experience in textured hair training and an IRS employer ID. Excludes individuals, cosmetology school consortia, or schools that have previously received other federal funds.
• Subgrant applications require descriptions of planned activities, cost estimates (including per-student costs), expected student numbers, and strategies to expand access.
• Use of Funds: Subgrant recipients must provide education and hands-on training in cosmetology schools on shampooing, deep conditioning, braiding, twisting, and styling textured hair. Funds may also support developing curricula, hiring and training instructors, or creating digital resources like pre-recorded videos.
• Award Amounts: States determine subgrant sizes based on applicants' cost estimates.
• Reporting Requirements:
• Eligible entities report to states (60 days before subgrant end) on fund use, partnered schools, trained instructors, and students reached.
• States report to the Secretary (60 days after grant end) on the awarding agency and summaries of entity reports.
• Definitions:
• Cosmetology school: A school preparing students for paid work in cosmetology-related jobs.
• Textured hair: Naturally coiled, curly, or wavy hair.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new federal grant program under the Department of Labor, with no direct amendments to prior laws mentioned. It creates a targeted funding stream for textured hair training, which is not currently mandated or funded at the federal level in cosmetology education standards. This could influence state-level vocational training requirements indirectly by incentivizing curriculum updates.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Labor gains administrative responsibilities for grant oversight, applications, and reporting, potentially increasing workload and budget needs (funding source not specified in the bill). States handle subgrant distribution, which may require new processes or staff.
• On Citizens: Cosmetology students and professionals receive specialized skills, improving job readiness and service quality for clients with textured hair (common among Black, Indigenous, and other people of color). This could enhance access to culturally competent hair care, reducing discrimination or inadequate services in the beauty industry. Broader economic benefits include better employment opportunities in cosmetology for underserved communities.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the program is domestic and focused on U.S. education and workforce development.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• States and Local Agencies: Responsible for applying for grants, awarding subgrants, and reporting; they benefit from federal funding to support local workforce programs.
• Eligible Entities: Minority- or women-owned businesses with training expertise; they gain funding opportunities but must meet strict eligibility (e.g., 5-year establishment, certification).
• Cosmetology Schools and Instructors: Required to integrate training; instructors may receive hiring or professional development support.
• Students and Trainees: Cosmetology students gain specialized skills; future clients with textured hair benefit from improved services.
• Communities with Textured Hair: Primarily affects racial and ethnic minorities who often face limited options for professional hair care.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes a competitive, merit-based grant system with clear eligibility and reporting rules to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of funds. Prioritizes minority- and women-owned businesses, aligning with existing federal preferences for diverse contractors (e.g., under small business programs), but excludes certain entities to focus on experienced providers.
• Constitutional: As a spending program under Congress's commerce and spending powers, it raises no apparent First Amendment or equal protection issues. It promotes equity without mandating private actions, respecting federalism by routing funds through states.
• Political: Highlights efforts to address racial and gender disparities in vocational education and the beauty industry, potentially advancing workforce inclusion. Sponsored by a diverse group of House Democrats, it may spark debates on targeted federal spending versus broad programs, but its narrow focus limits controversy. If enacted, it could set a precedent for culturally specific training in other trades.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-07-17: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-07-17: Introduced in House
• 2025-07-17: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Texture Positive Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-17 — PDF (7 pages)