This legislative season is shaping up to be a busy one. Here is a recap of the laws and bills that have been recently signed, updated, or amended across the nation, as well as the bills that are likely to be reintroduced this year.

NEW DELAWARE LAW PROMOTES HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS

Delaware signed a new bill into law requiring massage therapy establishments, among other businesses, to display human trafficking awareness signs. The bill specifies sign location, size, explains the enforcement process, and civil penalties.

IDAHO BILL AIMS TO STREAMLINE ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

The Idaho State Board of Massage Therapy is proposing to remove unnecessary or overly burdensome language from its administrative rules. The board is planning to review and amend rules that pertain to licensure, continuing education, discipline, massage therapy code of ethics and standards.

ILLINOIS ISSUES NEW CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Illinois recently passed House Bill 2756, which revised continuing education requirements for licensed massage therapists. Effective January 1, 2024, license renewal requirements will now be 25 CE hours. The additional hour must be in domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education, offered by an approved CE provider.

KANSAS BILL REINTRODUCED TO ESTABLISH THE MASSAGE THERAPY BOARD

Kansas Senate Bill 305 will be reintroduced in the 2024 legislative session. This legislation would establish the massage therapy board under the healing arts in the state. The bill includes language that would allow all current massage therapists to easily obtain a state license, while bodyworkers could continue to practice legally and will not be required to have a massage therapy license.

MINNESOTA LICENSING BILLS REINTRODUCED TO ESTABLISH MASSAGE THERAPY LICENSURE

Legislation for licensing massage and Asian bodywork therapists will be reintroduced this legislative session. House File 973 and Senate File 967 are companion bills that would establish state licensure for massage therapists as well as Asian bodywork therapists.

OHIO INTRODUCES HB 255 TO HELP PROTECT MASSAGE LICENSURE STRUCTURE IN OHIO

Ohio recently introduced House Bill 255, which would require unlicensed individuals who provide relaxation massage and/ or bodywork to register with the state, providing a new layer of oversight and safety for unlicensed massage services. Unlicensed individuals would be required to submit the location for where they provide massage, which will be listed in a database. Massage therapists with a license (LMTs) would not have to register.

OKLAHOMA ISSUES NEW RULES ON MASSAGE FEES

The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Board issued final rules that affect massage therapy fees and disciplinary action. The rules which have been in effect since September 11, 2023, clarify that disciplinary action can be taken if a licensee has been charged, pled guilty, or been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony that substantially relates to the practice of massage therapy. In addition, license fees have increased from $50 to $100 and duplicate license fees from $5 to $10.

TEXAS PASSES HB 3579 ON MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT REGULATION

The passage of House Bill 3579 requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to issue an emergency order to suspend massage establishment operations, if its notified that a business is under investigation for human trafficking, sexual misconduct, and other related sexual offenses. After the TDLR issues an order, a hearing must take place within 10 days.

UTAH PASSES THE MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT AMENDMENTS

In October, the Massage Therapy Practice Act Amendments were unanimously passed out of the committee, allowing the Utah Board of Massage Therapy to continue until the next sunset period in July of 2034.

WEST VIRGINIA RAISES EDUCATION HOURS REQUIREMENT AND ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE RULES

The West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensing Board has proposed new licensing requirements, raising massage therapy education hours to 625 hours from 500. In addition, all massage therapy establishments in the state must now be licensed as of October 1, 2023. These new rules are the result of the passage of Senate Bill 665 in March 2023.