Two Conflicting Bills Introduced

House Bill 1162, sponsored by Representative Pyle, would eliminate the Arkansas State Board Massage Therapy and transfers all duties of the board to the Department of Health. To read the entire bill, go to http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2009/R/Bills/HB1162.pdf Senate Bill 89, sponsored by Senator Smith, would amend various provisions of the Massage Therapy Practice Act, including increasing fees, increasing continuing education requirements, and changing from an annual renewal to a biennial renewal. The bill can be read at http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2009/R/Bills/SB89.pdf Both bills have been assigned to the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.