H.B. No. 414 Summary

• Establishes the Comprehensive Science of Hair Learning Institute as a state institution of higher education governed by an 11-member board of trustees appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, including two student members with no voting power.

• Designates the institute as a state institution of higher education and includes it in definitions across multiple state codes relating to higher education, public institutions, retirement systems, and bond issuances.

• Creates a natural curly textured hair science grant program administered by the state cosmetology and barber board to fund courses, educational programs, and seminars focused on natural hair care and styling based on established scientific principles.

• Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Cosmetology and Barber Board for grant programs in fiscal year 2024.

• The institute shall establish one main campus with possible branch campuses (subject to chancellor approval) and acquire real property to serve as its base of operations.