Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Hair Braiding Opportunity Act. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Changes the short title to the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 and changes corresponding references to the Act throughout the statutes. Repeals provisions concerning hair braiding licenses, and removes references to licensed hair braiding throughout the Act. Makes conforming changes. Makes changes to the membership of the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Board. Provides that no application shall be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Provides that the Department shall consider practice supervised by a licensee while a person is incarcerated in determining qualifications for a license. Effective immediately.
House Floor Amendment No. 1: Removes provisions concerning applications by persons who are incarcerated.
Senate Floor Amendment No. 1: Changes the effective date to January 1, 2026 (instead of effective immediately).

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5 ILCS 80/4, 225 ILCS 57/30, 225 ILCS 410/1, 225 ILCS 410/3, 225 ILCS 410/4, 730 ILCS 5/5, 775 ILCS 50/5, 820 ILCS 206/40
Engrossed: 5 ILCS 80/4, 225 ILCS 57/30, 225 ILCS 410/1, 225 ILCS 410/3, 225 ILCS 410/4, 730 ILCS 5/5, 775 ILCS 50/5, 820 ILCS 206/40