HB 924: Authorize mobile barbershops

House Bill 924, 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 bring haircuts to consumers.  

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. Mississippi is currently not among them. 

In response to COVID-19, states like Mississippi temporarily closed barbershops. As barbershops reopened, in some states they were allowed to offer new mobile services. This has been welcomed news for barbers and consumers in nearby states like Alabama and Florida where lawmakers have recently made this a reality.   

This 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.  

HB 924 has been referred to the House Business and Commerce Committee. You can read the bill here.