HB 781: Authorize mobile barbershops

House Bill 781, sponsored by Rep. Tracey Rosebud, would authorize licensed barbers to operate mobile barbershops in the state. 

Barber regulations in Mississippi, among other things, prevent barbers from operating a mobile barbershop. Mobile barbershops are not a new idea. Over the past decade, entrepreneurial barbers around the country have come up with an idea to meet consumers where they are.  

Unfortunately, they have often been thwarted by state regulations. In many states, barbers have successfully fought to change these prohibitive laws. 

Today, 34 states allow mobile barbershops. This has been welcomed news for barbers and consumers around the country, and in nearby states like Alabama and Florida where lawmakers have recently made this a reality.   

Mississippi, though, has not joined the list of states authorizing this service. 

Doing so would open up new types of barbering services for entrepreneurs. For instance, they could go straight to consumers in convenient locations, such as office parks, near high schools, or town centers. They could go to homes for older residents who don’t have access to reliable transportation or simply appreciate the convenience of haircuts in their own homes.  Right now, barbers would be breaking the law if they offered such services to consumers. 

Demand for mobile barbershops has grown as the services that consumers need and feel comfortable with have changed. Mississippi should join these 34 states and allow barbers to keep up with changing consumer needs. 

Empower Mississippi supports this legislation.  

House Bill 781 died in committee on February 4.