S.520 - Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor Stories Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.520, the SALONS Stories Act, aims to combat domestic violence by amending the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. It proposes increasing grants to states that implement domestic violence prevention training for cosmetologists and barbers. The bill authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 annually from 2027 through 2033 for this purpose.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would incentivize states to require domestic violence prevention training for cosmetologists and barbers. This training would equip them to recognize signs of domestic violence, respond appropriately, and refer clients to resources. Increased grant funding would be available to states meeting these criteria.
Potential Benefits
- Provides additional resources to combat domestic violence.
- Empowers cosmetologists and barbers to identify and assist victims.
- Increases awareness of domestic violence within communities.
- Offers qualifying training at no cost to individuals seeking licensure.
- May include training components on sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.
Potential Disadvantages
- Requires states to mandate specific training for licensure, potentially infringing on state autonomy.
- The $5,000,000 annual appropriation may be insufficient to meet the needs of all eligible states.
- Focuses on a specific profession, potentially overlooking other avenues for domestic violence prevention.
- May create additional administrative burdens for states to implement and oversee the training programs.
- Potential for ineffective training programs if not properly designed and implemented.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to address domestic violence, a significant societal problem. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and mandating specific training requirements for state licensure could be seen as an infringement on state autonomy. The spending clause (Article I, Section 8) allows Congress to appropriate funds for the general welfare, which supports the authorization of appropriations in the bill.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).