S 520119th CongressIn Committee

Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act

Introduced: Feb 11, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, the SALONS Stories Act, would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reward states that require domestic violence prevention training for people seeking licensure as cosmetologists or barbers. The training must be provided at no cost by a victim service provider and cover recognizing signs of domestic violence, how to respond, and how to refer clients to resources (with possible content on sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence). For eligible states, the Attorney General would increase existing grant awards under the crime control program by up to 10% of the state's recent average grant amount, for a 1-year term (renewable for up to 3 years total). The bill authorizes $5 million annually from 2027 through 2033 to fund these increases, with funds remaining available until expended.

Key Points

1Definitions and eligibility
2- Eligible State: A state that has a law requiring licensure candidates for cosmetology or barbering to undergo qualifying training.
3- Qualifying training: Free training (online or in-person) from a victim service provider focusing on recognizing, responding to, and referring clients regarding domestic violence; may include content on sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.
4Grant increase mechanism
5- Eligible states can receive a grant increase to their existing Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act grants (section 2007(a)) of up to 10% of their average grant amount over the three most recent awards.
6Application and administration
7- States must apply to the Attorney General with information required, including details about their qualifying law.
8- The increase applies for a 1-year term and may be renewed, but states may receive such an increase for no more than 3 years total.
9Funding and duration
10- Authorization of appropriations: $5,000,000 per fiscal year for 2027–2033, available until expended.
11Title and purpose
12- Short title: “Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act” or “SALONS Stories Act.”

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- States that have or adopt laws requiring cosmetology/barber licensure training and the agencies administering these grants (e.g., state health or criminal justice agencies) that would be eligible for grant increases.Secondary group/area affected- Cosmetologists and barbers entering the profession who would receive training at no cost, plus clients who may experience domestic violence and could benefit from trained providers and referrals.Additional impacts- Victim service providers who would be involved in delivering the qualifying training.- State domestic violence coalitions and workforce development programs coordinating licensing-related DV training.- Potential administrative requirements for states to apply for increased funding and to demonstrate compliance with the training requirements.- Overall alignment of domestic violence prevention with other public-safety grant programs, and the use of federal funds to incentivize state policy changes.

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