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6/10/2025
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Assembly passes Leader Ciccone and Rep. Shallcross Smith’s bill allowing home hair care services for disabled individuals
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STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation (2025-S 0381A, 2025-H 5833A) introduced by Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III and Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith that would allow individuals with special needs or sensory-related disorders or differences to receive hair care services within their home.
“Not everyone is able to go to, or is comfortable with, a traditional salon or barber setting to get their haircut, but they also deserve the dignity and pride that comes with a new haircut or styling. This is a compassionate piece of legislation that acknowledges the needs of individuals with special needs and that they too deserve to look and feel their best,” said Leader Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston).
“There is a significant need for these services in the home not only for elderly, disabled and homebound Rhode Islanders, but for those who have sensory processing issues,” said Representative Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket). “A simple haircut can be a traumatic and daunting experience for many neurodiverse adults and children. This bill would provide a good legislative framework to serve a growing population of those who deserve the dignity, safety and environmental comfort that can only be found in their own homes.”
The bill updates current law by adding to the types of individuals who can receive services outside of a traditional salon setting by licensed hairdressers. Individuals with special needs or sensory-related disorders or differences, in addition to homebound individuals, would now be eligible for home hair care visits. A licensed health care professional must verify that the home service is appropriate for the individual's specific needs.
The legislation now heads to the governor for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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