Representatives presented House Bills 4394 and 4395 to the Regulatory Reform Committee; sponsors said the bills would add a temporary one-year, $20 permit in the Michigan Occupational Code and the State License Fee Act to allow licensed barbers and cosmetologists to render services at veteran service organizations. "These pieces of legislation simply amend the Occupational Code Public Act 299 of 1980, and the State License Fee Act, Public Act 152 of 1979, by adding a temporary permit..." a sponsor told the committee, describing the permit as "a temporary 1 year 20 dollars permit" administered through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Nut graf: The bills would define "veteran service organization" as a veteran-led nonprofit with a primary mission of supporting veterans and would allow any licensed cosmetologist or barber to volunteer inside such organizations. Sponsors said the measure addresses access barriers for veterans who, because of frailty, age, injury or illness, cannot easily travel to salons or barbershops. The sponsor said the package "is about giving back to those who have done so much for our state and for our nation and the military."

Witnesses included Savannah Smith and Melissa (Missy) Smith of Salon 83, who worked with sponsor offices to craft the bill language. Committee members discussed a prospective substitute that would explicitly prohibit barbers and cosmetologists from charging veterans a service fee so the haircuts remain free and to reduce the risk of bad actors charging for services. The sponsor said stakeholders' concerns (Douglas J Aveda Institute, L'Esprit Academy, Michigan College of Beauty) prompted the substitute language to "prohibit barbers and cosmetologists from charging veterans a service fee for the cost of their haircut."

Representative Dieben Dorf asked whether the permit could be expanded to allow service in homeless shelters, noting veterans are overrepresented among people experiencing homelessness; the sponsor replied the current proposal limits the permit to veteran service organizations but said she would be open to further conversations about shelters. Representative Hoadley made a lighthearted reference to a haircut style in the hearing and sponsors responded directly.

Ending: The bills received multiple written supporters on the hearing record (e.g., Vietnam Veterans of America, VFW National Homes, Michigan College of Beauty). Committee members did not vote on the bills at the hearing; sponsors said they are preparing a substitute and welcomed further stakeholder input.