The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation adopted new rules March 3, 2021. The changes summarized within this update address new consent requirements for breast massage and human trafficking prevention continuing education updates. The new rules are effective April 1, 2021.
Government Relations
House Bill 1315 attempted to deregulate massage therapy in Mississippi, but died in a house committee March 2, 2021.
Senate Bill 214 removes the provision that English be the sole language for the government in the state of Utah.
Kentucky House Bill 79 was signed by Governor Beshear March 18, 2021. HB 79 requires criminal background checks and photos to be submitted with applications to practice massage therapy.
Effective March 1, 2021, a new rule allows all 24 hours of continuing education credits to be completed online.
Vermont passed Senate Bill 220 last year, which requires massage therapists, bodyworkers, and touch professionals to register with the state by April 1, 2021. Find out what you need to apply.
House Bill 1289, which was passed in 2017, will create mandatory licensure in Indiana after the rules are final. Those who are currently certified will automatically roll into licensure. Those who are not certified have 183 days after the rules are final to apply through grandfathering.
After being postponed in 2020, the California Massage Therapy Act is up for sunset review this legislative session. The Committee on Business and Professions is hosting a meeting Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. PST and you can attend virtually. You can also submit comments to the committee if you think CAMTC should continue or licensure should be considered.
The Idaho legislature introduced House Bill 273, which seeks to deregulate massage therapy. The bill would be effective July 1, 2022, if it passes. ABMP is opposed to this bill and is sending a letter to Idaho representatives.
The Ohio legislature has introduced House Bill 81 and Senate Bill 55. The companion bills clean up the Massage Practice Act, remove much of the derogatory language about massage therapists, and add minimal establishment licensing and massage therapist registration.