Recent News and Legislative Updates

Michigan

12/10/2007

Michigan REPEALS Service Tax On December 1, 2007, Governor Granholm signed HB 5408 into law. The law essentially repeals the controversial service tax passed in October and creates a Michigan Business Tax surcharge that is part of a compromise budget solution. Massage therapists, regardless of the setting in which they work, will not have to charge a service tax on massage.

New Jersey

11/28/2007

Assembly Bill 4455, sponsored by Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo (D – Dist. 29), was passed out of the Assembly Regulated Professions and Independent Authorities Committee Monday, November 19, 2007. A4455 would amend the current voluntary certification law by establishing a practice act that would require mandatory licensing of massage and bodywork therapists, as well as establish a Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy to replace the Massage, Bodywork, and Somatic Therapy Examining Committee currently in place under the Board of Nursing.

Michigan

11/07/2007

In an effort to avert a full government shutdown and address the state’s budget deficit, the Michigan State Legislature passed a tax on services, including “massage,” on October 1, 2007. There are two bills being considered by the legislature at this time. One, SB 838, would repeal the tax before it’s even been implemented. The other, SB 845, would delay the implementation of this tax until December 20, 2007.

Moving Forward in 2008

11/05/2007

After consultation in Sacramento with ABMP’s government relations representatives and with key legislators and staff, we intend to participate in a renewed effort in 2008 at securing statewide massage regulation. The motive: problems with inconsistent, burdensome local regulation are not going away; if anything, they are worsening.

Colorado

11/02/2007

Massage Therapists Evaluate A Predictable Response from DORA Colorado law requires that individuals or groups proposing legislation to regulate any occupation or profession first submit information to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for the purpose of sunrise review. Sunrise review is essentially an analysis of an occupation with the intent being to only impose regulation on occupations when it is necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare.

Maryland

10/23/2007

Governor O’Malley has called a Special Session of the General Assembly that will commence on Monday, October 29, 2007. The purpose of the session is to address Maryland’s $1.7 billion deficit. Contained in Governor O’Malley’s proposal is an expansion of the sales tax, including a sales tax on massage therapy. Massage is the only health care service to be added as a taxable service. ABMP recommends you contact your representatives this week and ask them to please oppose any tax on massage therapy.

    Pennsylvania

    10/11/2007

    Pennsylvania Legislative Survey Results A bill seeking the state licensure of massage therapists has been attempted for the past several years in Pennsylvania. Although no bill has been attempted so far in 2007, ABMP has been seeking feedback so that we will best represent our members if one is introduced in the future. In August 2007, ABMP e-mailed a legislative survey to 2181 Pennsylvania members; as of October 11, 2007, 24% were returned. Thank you to those who responded to the survey.

    Massachusetts

    10/11/2007

    The Massachusetts Board of Massage Therapy has been appointed by Governor Patrick and their first meeting will be held on November 8, 2007. Meeting are open to the public. The board, named below, is charged with the responsibility of writing the rules and regulations to implement the law. ABMP will keep members informed of the progress the board makes and when applications become available. Members of the board: DONALD B. CARDOZA, Member J. DAVID NAPARSTEK, Member BERNADETTE NICHOLSON, Member STEVEN TANKANOW, Member TAK WONG, Member

    Alaska

    09/28/2007

    It has recently come to ABMP’s attention that the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) – Alaska Chapter has been working with Representative Sharon Cissna on a bill which would provide for the regulation of massage therapy, including the formation of a state massage board to implement the law. ABMP’s analysis of the bill has identified the following concerns:

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