Recent News and Legislative Updates

Connecticut

06/11/2007

The Governor Rell signed Senate Bill 140 into law on May 22, 2007. The bill addresses two issues related to the Massage Therapy Practice Act:
  1. Replaces the title “Connecticut licensed massage therapist” with “massage therapist”; and
  2. Prohibits anyone other than a licensed massage therapist or a holder of another applicable license from using the titles “massage therapist,” “licensed message therapist,” “massage practitioner,” “massagist,” “masseur,” or “masseuse. ”

Indiana

05/15/2007

Governor Daniels signed SB 320 into law on May 9, 2007. The new law will establish a State Board of Massage Therapy and create state certification for massage therapists. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2007 and Governor Daniels will appoint board members by January 1, 2008. State certification is a title protection act. SB 320 protects only two titles, “Certified Massage Therapist” (CMT) and “Massage Therapist”(MT). Only practitioners using these two titles need to apply for state certification.

New Mexico

05/09/2007

House Bill 847, sponsored by Representative Rick Miera, was signed into law by Governor Richardson on April 2, 2007. The law will exempt the following practitioners from the Massage Therapy Practice Act:
  • Qualified members of other recognized professions that are licensed or regulated under New Mexico law.
  • Students within the course of their study in an approved massage therapy school and under the supervision of a licensed massage therapy instructor.
  • Visiting massage instructors who are in compliance with their resident state’s requirements for licensure.

Massachusetts

05/09/2007

As reported in July 2006, legislation has been enacted to require state licensure of Massage Therapists, Massage Therapy schools, and Massage Therapy businesses. The Governor is in the process of selecting and appointing Board members. Following appointment, the Board members will write implementing regulations. This process has been delayed because Governor Romney did not make the appointments prior to leaving office and Governor Patrick has not yet made the appointments.

Maryland

05/08/2007

Both the sales tax on massage and House Bill 735, failed to pass this legislative session. Any new attempt to regulate the massage therapy profession will take place in the next legislative session beginning in January 2008.

New Hampshire

04/02/2007

House Bill 908-FN was heard in the Executive Departments and Administration Committee on March 20th. Following an hour of testimony in a crowded committee room, the bill has been retained. A subcommittee will be assigned and the bill will be reviewed and discussed over the summer. ABMP will share additional information as we receive it.

New Jersey

03/18/2007

Assembly Bill 4104, sponsored by Assemblyman Sean Kean, has been introduced in the New Jersey Legislature. The bill would remove the sales tax on massage, bodywork, and somatic services. ABMP is very supportive of this bill although Governor Corzine has already publicly stated that the state cannot afford any tax rollbacks. There is no action to take at this time.

New Hampshire

03/16/2007

House Bill 908-FN sponsored by Representative Baroody has been introduced in the New Hampshire General Court and is scheduled to be heard in the Executive Departments and Administration Committee on March 20, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.

South Dakota

03/09/2007

Governor Rounds signed senate Bill 70 into law on March 2, 2007. The law amends the Massage Therapy Practice Act, which was enacted in 2005. The law changes 3 key issues:
  • The fees associated with the application and licensing process will be reduced. The nonrefundable application fee will be $100 and the license and renewal fee will be capped at the amount of $65 instead of $300. The license will be valid for one year instead of two years.

New Jersey

03/07/2007

Senate Bill 2536, sponsored by Sen. Nia Gill, has been introduced in the New Jersey Legislature. The bill would amend the current voluntary certification law by requiring mandatory licensing of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapists. While the bill positively addresses many ABMP concerns with the current law, it misses a few key points as well. To view the entire bill, go to: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/S3000/2536_I1.PDF

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