Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act
- Bill Number
- S. 520
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-23T18:27:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Bill Overview
S. 520: Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act (SALONS Stories Act) This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide additional federal grants to states that require domestic violence prevention training for people seeking licenses as cosmetologists or barbers.
Purpose
The legislation aims to enhance efforts to combat domestic violence by incentivizing states to train cosmetologists and barbers—professionals who often interact closely with clients—to recognize and respond to signs of abuse. By tying extra funding to this training, the bill seeks to expand community-based support for victims.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- An "eligible state" is one that has a law requiring anyone applying for a state license as a cosmetologist or barber to complete "qualifying training."
- "Qualifying training" is free online or in-person education provided by a victim service provider (an organization that helps abuse survivors). It must teach how to:
- Recognize signs of domestic violence.
- Respond appropriately to those signs.
- Refer clients to resources for victims.
- The training may also cover related issues like sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.
- Grant Increases:
- The U.S. Attorney General must increase grants under existing Section 2007(a) of the 1968 Act (which funds state programs to stop violence against women) by up to 10% of the state's average funding from its three most recent awards.
- Increases are available only if funds are appropriated (authorized at $5 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2033, remaining available until spent).
- Application and Terms:
- Eligible states must apply to the Attorney General with details about their training law.
- Each increase lasts 1 year and can be renewed, but a state can receive it for no more than 3 years total.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill adds a new Section 2019 to Part T of Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 10441 et seq.), which previously focused on grants for violence prevention without specific incentives for training cosmetologists or barbers. It introduces a targeted funding boost tied to state licensing requirements, expanding how federal dollars support community-level interventions.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Justice (via the Attorney General) will administer the increased grants, potentially increasing administrative workload for reviewing state applications. States may need to update licensing laws and partner with victim service providers to qualify.
- On Citizens: Victims of domestic violence could benefit from earlier detection and referrals through everyday interactions at salons or barbershops. Cosmetologists and barbers gain free training but must complete it for state licensure.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. policy.
- Overall, it could improve awareness and access to support services in communities, though effectiveness depends on state adoption and funding availability.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- States and Licensing Boards: Must enact and enforce training laws to access extra funds.
- Cosmetologists and Barbers: Required to complete training as part of licensure in participating states.
- Victims of Domestic Violence and Related Crimes: Potential indirect beneficiaries through increased referrals and support.
- Victim Service Providers: Responsible for delivering the free training programs.
- Federal Government (Department of Justice): Oversees grant distribution and applications.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill conditions federal funding on state actions without mandating changes, respecting federalism (the division of powers between federal and state governments). It builds on existing grant programs without altering core eligibility rules.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it aligns with Congress's spending power to incentivize state policies on public safety.
- Political: Introduced with bipartisan support (sponsors from both parties), suggesting broad appeal for community-based violence prevention. The 3-year limit on grants encourages ongoing evaluation but may limit long-term incentives. If passed, it could set a precedent for tying funds to niche professional training in social issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-02-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act — issued 2025-02-11 — PDF (4 pages)