SB 174-ALLOW NATURAL HAIRSTYLES  3:21:08 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would be CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 174(EDC), "An Act relating to dress codes and natural hairstyles." 3:21:34 PM The committee took an at-ease from 3:21 p.m. to 3:22 p.m. 3:22:05 PM CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ, on behalf of Representative McCarty, moved to adopt Amendment 1 to CSSB 174(EDC), labeled 32-LS1298\W.1, Marx, 4/8/22, which read: Page 1, lines 6 - 7: Delete "commonly or historically" Page 2, lines 4 - 5: Delete "commonly or historically" 3:22:19 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS objected for the purpose of discussion. 3:22:23 PM CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ explained that Amendment 1 would delete the language "commonly or historically" from within the bill, which are terms used to describe hairstyles. She noted that the amendment was drafted in consultation with the bill sponsor. 3:22:42 PM SENATOR DAVID WILSON, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor of CSSB 174(EDC), stated he is supportive of Amendment 1. He explained that there is confusion nationally when looking at other states that have passed a CROWN Act [Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act], and it was felt that deleting this language would make the bill a cleaner version. 3:23:00 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS removed his objection to Amendment 1. There being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted. 3:23:09 PM CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ, on behalf of Representative McCarty, moved to adopt Amendment 2 to CSSB 174(EDC), labeled 32-LS1298\W.2, Marx, 4/12/22, which read: Page 1, line 7: Delete ", including wearing headwraps" Page 2, line 5: Delete ", including wearing headwraps" 3:23:12 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS objected for the purpose of discussion. 3:23:13 PM CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ explained that Amendment 2 would delete in two sections of the bill the language "including wearing headwraps". She stated that the amendment was done in consultation with the bill sponsor. 3:23:24 PM SENATOR WILSON stated he is supportive of Amendment 2 because headwraps do not pertain to hair necessarily. He said "including wearing headwraps" was added in a Senate committee and he would like to keep the bill related to hair and not hair accessories. In response to Co-Chair Fields, he clarified that he does support adopting Amendment 2. 3:24:32 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS removed his objection to Amendment 2. There being no further objection, Amendment 2 was adopted. 3:24:54 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS opened public testimony on CSSB 174(EDC). 3:25:04 PM MORGAN LIM, Government Relations Manager, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates (PPAA), testified in support of CSSB 174(EDC). He stated that PPAA is committed to creating a world in which all people have autonomy over their bodies and health. He said dress codes banning certain hairstyles perpetuate racist stereotypes and lead to over-policing and over-discipling of BIPOC people [Black, Indigenous, and people of color], which has real world consequences on educational, professional, and health outcomes. He explained that, for many, Afrocentric and Indigenous are an expression of identity and hold historic, cultural, and spiritual significance. Over time hair has become a link between history and current identities, he said, and represents a rejection of Eurocentric notions that the texture of white or European hair is inherently professional and beautiful while the texture and styling of nonwhite hair is inherently unprofessional and undesirable. He related that extensive research shows that schools discriminatorily enforce dress codes against Black students, especially Black girls due to race and gender base stereotypes. Dress codes that police hairstyles lead educators to discipline Black students and students of color more often and more harshly than they do white students. This discipline causes students to lose class time which can deny equal opportunities and impact graduation rates and access to higher education. He urged the bill's passage from committee. 3:27:07 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS closed public testimony after ascertaining no one else wished to testify. 3:27:26 PM CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ moved to report CSSB 174(EDC), as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying [zero] fiscal notes. There being no objection, HCS CSSB 174(L&C) was reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.