AMTA Legislative Briefing

March 2008

Alabama

Senate Bill 164 was introduced on February 5, 2008 by Senators Dixon, Griffith, Little, Barron and Figures.  SB 164 would reauthorize the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy until October 1, 2011.  SB 164 would also change the existing licensure requirement of United States citizenship to also allow for persons legally present in the United States with the appropriate documentation from the federal government. SB 164 was referred to the Senate Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability on February 5, 2008.  SB 164 passed second reading and placed on the committee calendar on February 6, 2008.  A motion offered by Senator Dixon to carry over to the call of the Chair was adopted by voice vote on March 4, 2008.  Senator Pittman successfully offered a substitute bill on March 27, 2008.  Senate passed SB 164 and transmitted it to the House on March 27, 2008.  SB 164 passed first reading and was referred to the House Committee on Board and Commissions on March 27, 2008.  To view the bill, please visit http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ViewBillsStatusACASLogin.asp?BillNumber=SB164 .  Last action taken: SB 164 was referred to the House Committee on Boards and Commission on March 27, 2008. 

Senate Bill 509 was introduced March 25, 2008 by Senator Lindsey and was referred to the Senate Committee on Government Affairs.  This bill would delete the requirement that a massage therapy school located in Alabama be accredited by the State Department of Education. This bill would expand the persons exempt from the chapter and would delete any reference to a temporary permit to practice massage therapy. This bill would delete antiquated language and the requirement that appointees to the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy be confirmed by the Senate. This bill would provide the board with compensation and change the makeup of the board. This bill would change the name of the executive secretary to executive director. This bill would list reasons for excused absentees from board meetings. This bill would remove the requirements that the oath of office of board members be filed with the Governor and that the Governor issue certificates of appointment to board members. This bill would increase the minimum hours of supervised course instruction for licensure. This bill would require that an applicant for licensure be 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent and be subject to a criminal history background information check and would remove the requirement that an applicant be a United States citizen. This bill would delete the limit placed on the number of times an applicant can take the board examination. This bill would delete the requirement that a record of each board exam be filed with the board office and available for inspection for two years. This bill would authorize the board to assess and collect certain fees. This bill would increase the discretion of the board to provide for licensure to establishments. This bill would expand the board's authority to revoke or suspend licenses. Under existing law, violations of this chapter are a Class C misdemeanor. This bill would change the penalties to a Class A misdemeanor. Last action taken: Senate Bill 509 was introduced March 25, 2008 by Senator Lindsey and was referred to the Senate Committee on Government Affairs. 

Arizona

Senate Bill 1006 was introduced January 14, 2008 by Senator Waring and referred to the Senate Government Committee.  SB 1006 relates to professional licensure and will require 25 hours of continuing education for massage therapy licensure every 2 years.  SB 1006 also prohibits a professional license issued to any member of the Arizona National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves from expiring while the member is serving on federal active duty, provided the member or legal representative of the member notifies the license issuing authority of the federal active duty status of the member and extends expiration of the license to 180 days after return from active duty.  The Government Committee amended, recommended passage and referred SB 1006 to the Senate Rules Committee on January 14, 2008.  After amendment and passage from the Rules Committee, SB 1006 passed second reading on January 15, 2008.  After further amendment, SB 1006 passed third reading on February 25, 2008 and was transmitted to the House for consideration.  SB 1006 was referred to the House Committee on Counties, Municipalities, and Military Affairs on March 3, 2008.  The House Committee on Counties, Municipalities, and Military Affairs recommended passage of SB 1006 and referred it to the House Rules Committee on March 3, 2008.  SB 1006 passed second reading on March 4, 2008.   Last action taken: SB 1006 passed second reading in the House on March 4, 2008.  

California

Senate Bill 731 was introduced by Senator Oropeza on February 23, 2007. SB 731 would, commencing July 1, 2008, provide for the certification of massage practitioners and massage therapists by the Massage Therapy Organization, which would be a nonprofit organization that meets specified requirements, and would impose certain duties on the organization. The bill would require applicants for certification as massage practitioners or massage therapists to be 18 years of age or older, to meet specified educational criteria, to provide to the organization and update certain information, to provide fingerprints for submission to the Department of Justice for a criminal background check, and to pay fees required by the organization. SB 731 was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules for assignment on February 23, 2007. On March 21, 2007, a hearing on SB 731 was scheduled in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee for April 9, 2007. SB 731 was amended in the Senate and re-referred to the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on April 16, 2007. SB 731 was amended and re-referred to the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development on April 19, 2007. SB 731 was amended and re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety on April 26, 2007. SB 731 was amended and substituted on May 8, 2007. The Committee on Appropriations recommended SB 731 be placed on second reading on May 15, 2007. SB 731 was read for a second time and placed on third reading on May 16, 2007. SB 731 was read for the third time and passed the Senate on May 31, 2007. SB 731 was referred to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on June 7, 2007. A hearing on SB 731 has been scheduled for July 3, 2007. SB 731 was amended on June 25, 2007. SB 731 was heard in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and was passed out of Committee on July 3, 2007. SB 731 was amended in Assembly on July 9, 2007. The Assembly Committee on Appropriations issued a report on SB 731 on July 17, 2007. The Assembly Committee on Appropriations set a second hearing and held SB 731 in committee on August 30, 2007.  To view the amended bill, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0701 0750/sb_731_bill_20070709_amended_asm_v93.pdf . Last action taken: The Assembly Committee on Appropriations set a second hearing and held SB 731 in committee on August 30, 2007. 

Florida

Senate Resolution 2806 was filed by Senator Jones on March 3, 2008.  SR 2806 recognizes April 8 and April 9, 2008 as Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Days.  Last action taken: SR 2806 was filed on March 3, 2008. 

Georgia

House Bill 1055 was introduced by Representatives Williams, Dickson, Tumlin and Forster on January 31, 2008.  Among changes to many professions, HB 1055 changes the provisions relating to licensure by endorsement for massage therapists and repeals certain provisions relating to licensure by reciprocity for massage therapists.  HB 1055 was read a second time and referred to the House Committee on Regulated Industries on February 2, 2008.  The Committee amended and reported favorably on HB 1055 on February 8, 2008.  HB 1055 was amended and passed by the House on February 14, 2008.  HB 1055 was received by the Senate and referred to the Senate Government Oversight Committee on February 19, 2008.  The Senate Government Oversight Committee offered a substitute bill and favorably reported HB 1055 on March 5, 2008.  HB 1055 passed second reading on March 6, 2008.  HB 1055 was adopted by the Senate on March 12, 2008.  The House disagreed with the Senate substitute version of HB 1055 on March 27, 2008.  The Senate insisted on the substitute version of HB 1055 on March 28, 2008. Last action taken: The Senate insisted on the substitute version of HB 1055 on March 28, 2008.

 

Hawaii

Senate Bill 3012 was introduced by Senator Hanabusa on January 22, 2008.  SB 3013 requires that in determining motor vehicle insurance policy personal injury protection benefits, there shall be imposed the same limitations on the number of visits, charge per visit, and combined total visits for therapeutic massage treatments as are imposed on naturopathic, chiropractic, and acupuncture treatments. SB 3012 was referred to the Senate Health Committee and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Affordable Housing on January 25, 2008. The Senate Health Committee held a public hearing on SB 3012 on February 13, 2008.  The Senate Health Committee recommended SB 3012 be passed with amendment on February 14, 2008.  The Senate adopted the amendments, passed second reading and referred SB 3012 to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Affordable Housing on February 15, 2008.  Last action taken: The Senate adopted the amendments, passed second reading and referred SB 3012 to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Affordable Housing on February 15, 2008. 

House Bill 3090 was introduced by Representatives Say on January 23, 2007.  HB 3090 requires that in determining motor vehicle insurance policy personal injury protection benefits, there shall be imposed the same limitations on the number of visits, charge per visit, and combined total visits for therapeutic massage treatments as are imposed on naturopathic, chiropractic, and acupuncture treatments. HB 3090 was referred to the House Health Committee and the House Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee on January 25, 2008. Last action taken: HB 3090 was referred to the House Health Committee and the House Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee on January 25, 2008.

Kansas

Senate Bill 572 was introduced February 6, 2008 by the Committee on Ways and Means.  SB 572 would establish the board for licensure and regulation of the massage therapists.  SB 572 was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare on February 7, 2008.  To view the bill, please visit   http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2008/572.pdfLast action taken: SB 572 was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare on February 7, 2008.

Maryland

House Bill 1563 was introduced on February 26, 2008 by Delegate Hubbard and assigned to the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee.  HB 1563 amends the licensure requirements for massage therapists and amends the State Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners requirements.  To view the bill, please visit http://mlis.state.md.us/2008RS/bills/hb/hb1563f.pdf .  HB 1563 was referred to the House Health and Government Operations Committee on March 7, 2008.  The House Health and Government Operation Committee held a hearing on HB 1563 on March 19, 2008.  The Committee reported on HB 1563 favorably and with amendments on March 14, 2008.  The favorable with amendments report was adopted and HB 1563 passed second reading on March 20, 2008.  HB 1563 passed third reading and was referred to the Senate on March 21, 2008.  HB 1563 passed first reading in the Senate and was referred to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee on March 22, 2008.  Last action taken: HB 1563 passed first reading in the Senate and was referred to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee on March 22, 2008.

 

Senate Bill 960 was introduced on February 28, 2008 by Senator Klausmeier and assigned to the Senate Rules Committee.  SB 960 amends the licensure requirements for massage therapists and amends the State Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners requirements.  SB 960 was referred to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee on March 3, 2008.  The Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee held a hearing on SB 960 on March 19, 2008.  The Committee reported favorably with amendments on March 16, 2008.  The favorable with amendment report was adopted and SB 960 passed second reading on March 24, 2008.  SB 960 passed second reading on March 25, 2008 and was referred to the House.  SB 960 passed first reading in the House and was referred to the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee on March 25, 2008.  Last action taken: SB 960 passed first reading in the House and was referred to the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee on March 25, 2008. 

Michigan

Senate Bill 788 was introduced on September 19, 2007 by Senator Jacobs, Richardville and Gleason to provide for the licensure of massage therapists.  To view the bill, please visit http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/Senate/pdf/2007-SIB-0788.pdfLast action taken: SB 788 was referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Regulatory Reform on September 19, 2007.

House Bill 5651 was introduced on January 22, 2008 by Representative Paul Cordino to provide for the licensure of massage therapists.  HB 5651 was referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform. To view the bill, please visit http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/House/pdf/2008-HIB-5651.pdfLast action taken: HB 5651 was introduced on January 22, 2008 and referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform.

Mississippi

House Bill 151 was introduced on January 22, 2008 by Representative Warren to reenact the Mississippi Massage Therapy Act to July 1, 2011.  To view the bill, please visit http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/pdf/HB/0100-0199/HB0151IN.pdf .  HB 151 was referred to the House Public Health and Human Services Committee.  HB 151 died in committee on February 19, 2008.  Last action taken: HB 151 died in committee on February 19, 2008.

House Bill 426 was introduced on January 29, 2008 by Representative Holland and referred to the House Public Health and Human Services Committee.  HB 426 reenacts and amends the Mississippi Massage Therapy Act to provide for licensure and removes the repealer.  To view the bill, please visit http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/html/HB/0400-0499/HB0426PS.htm.  The House Public Health and Human Services Committee reported to amend and pass HB 426 on February 7, 2008.  HB 426 was amended and passed the House on February 11, 2008.  The Senate received and referred HB 426 to the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare on February 12, 2008.  The Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare reported to pass HB 426 on March 12, 2008.  HB 426 passed Senate vote on March 25, 2008.  The Senate transmitted HB 426 to the House on March 26, 2008.  Last action taken: HB 426 transmitted back to the House on March 26, 2008.  

Senate Bill 2461 was introduced on January 29, 2008 by Senator Bryan and referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee.  SB 2461 reenacts and amends the Mississippi Massage Therapy Act to provide for licensure and removes the repealer.  To view the bill, please visit http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/pdf/SB/2400-2499/SB2461IN.pdfLast action taken: SB 2462 died in committee on February 19, 2008.

Missouri

House Bill 1419 was introduced by Representative Portwood on January 9, 2008.  HB 1419 changes the laws regarding the licensing of massage therapists. In its main provisions, the bill: (1) Requires applicants to be of good moral character; (2) Requires completion of a program of massage therapy studies as defined by the Board of Therapeutic Massage; (3) Requires that all massage therapy instruction be supervised; (4) Allows a person completing a massage therapy program of less than 500 hours of supervised instruction to submit an application for licensure and requires the board to establish the requirements to be completed prior to being issued a license; and (5) Allows for the extension of a provisional license. HB 1419 passed second reading and was referred to the Special Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing on January 10, 2008.  Public hearing was completed by the Committee on January 31, 2008.  HB 1419 was reported on favorably and referred to the House Rules Committee on February 28, 2008.  The Rules Committee reported favorably on HB 1419 on March 12, 2008.  Last action taken: HB 1419 was reported on favorably by the House Rules Committee on March 12, 2008.  

New Jersey

Assembly Bill 4455 was introduced on November 8, 2007 by Assemblymen Caraballo, Biondi and Prieto to provide for licensure of massage and bodywork therapists and registration of the employers.  A4455 was referred to the Assembly Regulated Professions and Independent Authorities Committee on November 8, 2007.  The committee scheduled a hearing for November 19, 2007.  The bill was amended and reported by the committee.  Assembly floor amendments were offered and passed. A4455 was passed by the Assembly by a 73-4 vote, with 2 no votes, on January 7, 2008. A4455 was adopted by the Senate as a substitute to S2536 on January 7, 2008.  To view the bill, please visit http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/AL07/337_.PDF

Last action taken: Signed by Governor Corzine January 14, 2008. 

Assembly Bill 1683 was introduced on January 8, 2008 by Assemblywoman McHose and Assemblyman Chuisano and referred to the Assembly Budget Committee.  A1683 shall impose a seven percent (7%) tax on massage, bodywork or somatic services, except such services provided pursuant to a doctor's prescription. Last action taken: Introduced January 8, 2008 and referred to the Assembly Budget Committee.  

Assembly Bill 1950 was introduced on January 28, 2008 by Assemblywoman Cruz-Perez to impose a use and sales tax.  A1950 shall impose a seven percent (7%) tax on massage , bodywork or somatic services, except such services provided pursuant to a doctor's prescription. A1950 was referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on January 28, 2008. Last action taken: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on January 28, 2008.

Senate Bill 1200 was introduced February 21, 2008 by Senators Bucco and Lance.  S1200 shall impose a seven percent (7%) tax on massage , bodywork or somatic services, except such services provided pursuant to a doctor's prescription. S1200 was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on February 21, 2008. Last action taken: S1200 was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on February 21, 2008.

Senate Bill 1418 was introduced March 3, 2008 by Senator Sarlo.  S1418 shall impose a seven percent (7%) tax on massage , bodywork or somatic services, except such services provided pursuant to a doctor's prescription. S1418 was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on March 3, 2008. Last action taken: S1418 was introduced and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on March 3, 2008.

North Carolina

Senate Bill 1314 was introduced on March 26, 2007 by Senator Cowell.  SB 1314 amends the laws under the North Carolina massage and bodywork therapy practice act to expand the existing laws regulating massage and bodywork therapy schools; to authorize the board to establish fees for licensing massage and bodywork therapy schools; to allow the department of justice to conduct criminal history record checks from state and national repositories of criminal history of applicants for licensure to practice massage and bodywork therapy; and to amend the existing laws regarding adult entertainment.  SB 1314 was referred to the Senate Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee on March 26, 2007.  SB 1314 was removed from the Senate Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and referred to the Senate Committee on Health Care on April 26, 2007.  The Senate Committee on Health Care offered a substitute bill and favorably reported on SB 1314 on July 11, 2007.  SB 1314 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on July 11, 2007.  The Senate Finance Committee offered a substitute bill and favorably reported on SB 1314 on July 26, 2007.  SB 1314 passed second and third readings on July 27, 2007.  SB 1413 was transmitted to the House, passed first reading and referred to the House Committee on Finance on July 27, 2007.  To view the bill, please visit http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2007/Bills/Senate/HTML/S1314v3.html .   Last action taken: SB 1413 was transmitted to the House, passed first reading and referred to the House Committee on Finance on July 27, 2007.

Rhode Island

House Bill 7816 was introduced on February 26, 2008 by Representatives Handy, Ajello, Jacquard and Almeida.  The Bill removes the requirement for a criminal background check for massage therapy licensure and removes the disqualification for sexual offense conviction.  HB 7816 was referred to the House Health, Education & Welfare Committee on February 26, 2008.  The House Health, Education & Welfare Committee recommended that HB 7816 be held for further study on March 5, 2008.    

To view the bill, please visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/housetext08/h7816.pdf . Last action taken: HB 7816 was held by the House Health, Education & Welfare Committee for further study on March 5, 2008.

Ohio

House Bill 125 was introduced on March 22, 2007 by Representative Huffman to establish uniform contract provisions between health care providers, including massage therapists, and third-party payers.  HB 125 was referred to the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee on March 28, 2007.  A House substitute bill, offered by the Civil and Commercial Law Committee was accepted on September 12, 2007 (after the tenth hearing on the bill) and another Committee substitute was accepted on October 3, 2007 (after the eleventh hearing on the bill).  HB 125 was reported out as amended of the Civil and Commercial Law Committee on October 9, 2007.  HB 125 passed the House by a vole of 91-5 on October 9, 2007.  HB 125 was introduced into the senate on October 10, 2007 and referred to the Judiciary-Civil Justice Committee.  The Senate Judiciary-Civil Justice Committee provided a substitute bill on February 21, 2008.  HB 125 passed the Senate on March 11, 2008.  The House concurred with Senate amendments on March 12, 2008.  HB 125 was sent to Governor Strickland on March 18, 2008.  Governor Strickland singed HB 125 on March 25, 2008.  Last action taken: HB 125 was signed by Governor Strickland on March, 2008.

Senate Bill 252 was introduced on November 8, 2007 by Senator Coughlin to amend local and municipal rules and requirements.  Among other topics, SB 252 requires unincorporated township trustee boards that regulate massage establishments within their township to deny/revoke permits for any of the following reasons; (i) Falsification of any of the information required for the application or failure to fully complete the application; (ii) Failure to cooperate with any required health or safety inspection; (iii) Any one of the persons named on the application is under the age of eighteen; (iv) Any one of the persons named on the application has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any violation of Chapter 2907. of the Revised Code, or any violation of any municipal ordinance or township resolution that is substantially equivalent to any offense contained in Chapter 2907. of the Revised Code, within five years preceding the application; (v) Any massager employed at the licensed massage establishment has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of division (D) of section 503.42 of the Revised Code. Last action taken: Referred to Judiciary-Civil Justice Committee on November 13, 2007. 

House Bill 104 was introduced March 13, 2007.  The bill requires massage therapists, among other healthcare professionals, to undergo a criminal background check prior to receiving an initial license.  This bill also modifies procedures for reinstatement from suspension due to failure to pay renewal fees or failure to renew license.  A substitute bill was reported on by the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee on November 15, 2007.   The substitute bill passed the Senate 30-2 on December 11, 2007. The House concurred with Senate amendments 86-3 on December 12, 2007.  Last action taken:  Governor Strickland approved HB 104 on December 21, 2007.

Oklahoma

House Bill 3199 was prefiled for introduction by Representative Denny on January 21, 2008 to be introduced on February 4, 2008.  HB 3199 establishes licensure and licensure requirements for massage therapists.  HB 3199 was referred to the House Economic Development and Financial Services’ Subcommittee on Industry and Labor on February 1, 2008.  The subcommittee scheduled a hearing on HB 3199 on February 12, 2008.  Last action taken: HB 3199 was scheduled for hearing by the House Economic Development and Financial Services’ Subcommittee on Industry and Labor on February 12, 2008. 

Tennessee

Senate Bill 2496 was introduced on January 8, 2008 by Senator Harper. SB 2496 is a sunset action reauthorizing the Massage Licensure Board until June 30, 2011.  SB 2496 passed second consideration on January 10, 2008 and referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee.  The Senate Government Operations Committee recommended passage on March 26, 2008.  SB 2496 was placed on the Senate Consent Calendar for March 31, 2008.  Last action taken: SB 2496 was placed on the Senate Consent Calendar for March 31, 2008.

House Bill 2703 was introduced on January 8, 2008 by Representative Kernell. HB 2703 is a sunset action reauthorizing the Massage Licensure Board until June 30, 2011.  HB 2703 passed second consideration on January 17, 2008 and referred to the House Government Operations Committee.  The House Government Operations Committee recommended HB 2703 be passed and referred to the House Calendar and Rules Committee on February 6, 2008.   Last action taken: Referred to the Calendar and Rules Committee on February 6, 2008. 

Senate Bill 3627 was introduced on January 17, 2008 by Senator Haynes. SB 3627 changes the requirement for Board members to have at least five (5) years experience as a massage therapist, changes the term of appointment to five (5) years and authorizes the Board to establish application fees for continuing education courses submitted for approval. SB 3627 passed second consideration on January 23, 2008 and referred to the Senate Committee on General Welfare, Health & Human Resources.  SB 3627 was placed on the Committee Calendar for April 2, 2008.  Last action taken: SB 3627 was placed on the Committee Calendar for April 2, 2008. 

House Bill 3672 was introduced on January 30, 2008 by Representative Shepard. HB 3672 changes the requirement for Board members to have at least five (5) years experience as a massage therapist, changes the term of appointment to five (5) years and authorizes the Board to establish application fees for continuing education courses submitted for approval.  HB 3672 was referred to the House Health and Human Resources Committee and the House Government Operations Committee on January 31, 2008.  The House Health and Human Resources Committee referred HB 3672 to the Public Health and Family Assistance Subcommittee on February 6, 2008.  The Public Health and Family Assistance Subcommittee recommended HB 3672 be passed on February 13, 2008.  The House Health and Human Resources Committee recommended HB 3672 be passed and referred to the House Government Operations Committee on February 19, 2008. The House Government Operations Committee has placed HB 3672 on the calendar to be considered on March 5, 2008.  The House Government Operations Committee recommended HB 3672 pass and referred to the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee on March 5, 2008.  The House Finance, Ways & Means Committee placed HB 3672 on the Budget Subcommittees calendar for March 12, 2008.  The Budget Subcommittee recommended passage of HB 3672 and placed it on the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee calendar for March 18, 2008.  The House Finance, Ways & Means Committee recommended passage or HB 3672 and referred it to the House Calendar and Rules Committee on March 18, 2008.  The House Calendar and Rules Committee scheduled floor vote on HB 3672 on March 24, 2008.  HB 3672 passed the House on March 24, 2008.  HB 3672 was transmitted to the Senate and passed first consideration on March 26, 2008.   Last action taken: HB 3672 was transmitted to the Senate and passed first consideration on March 26, 2008.  

Texas

House Bill 2644 was introduced on March 6, 2007 by Representative Rose.  HB 2644 relates to the requirements for a massage therapist license.  The bill increases the education requirement to a minimum of 500 hours in a supervised course of instruction provided by a massage therapy instructor at massage school, licensed massage school, a state-approved educational institution, or any combination of instructors or schools.  HB 2644 was referred to the House Public Health Committee on March 13, 2007.  A fiscal note was issued on April 9, 2007 which shows no significant fiscal implication to the state to be anticipated with enactment of HB 2644.  A public hearing was scheduled for April 11, 2007 in the House Public Health Committee.  HB 2644 was left pending in the Public Health Committee on April 11, 2007.  HB 2644 was reported favorably without amendments out of the Public Health Committee on April 19, 2007.  The Public Health Committee report on HB 2644 was printed and distributed on April 28, 2007.  HB 2644 passed the House on May 11, 2007.  HB 2644 was engrossed on May 13, 2007 and received in the Senate on May 14, 2007.  HB 2644 was amended and passed the Senate on May 22, 2007.  HB 2644 was signed in the House and Senate on May 28, 2007.  Last action taken: HB 2644 was signed into law by Governor Perry on June 15, 2007.  The law took effect on September 1, 2007.  For more information on the new law, please visit http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/massage/default.shtm. 

Utah

House Bill 79 was introduced by Representative Clark and referred to the House Rules Committee January 21, 2008.  HB 79 reauthorizes the Massage Therapy Practice Act to July 1, 2014.  HB 79 passed second reading on January 21, 2008.  The House Rules Committee placed HB 79 on the House calendar for third reading on January 21, 2008.  HB 79 passed third reading on January 23, 2008.  HB 79 was transmitted to the House, passed first reading and referred to the Senate Rules Committee on January 24, 2008.  HB 79 was referred to the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee on January 25, 2008.  The Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee reported favorably on HB 79 on January 31, 2008.  HB 79 passed second and third reading on February 7, 2008.  HB 79 was signed by the Senate President and sent to the House on February 7, 2008.  The Speaker of the House signed HB 79 and sent it for enrolling on February 8, 2008.  HB 79 was sent to the Governor on February 13, 2008.  The Governor signed HB 79 on February 17, 2008.  Last action taken:  HB 79 was signed by the Governor on February 17, 2008. 

Washington

House Bill 2859 was introduced on January 17, 2008 by Representatives Williams, Hinkle, Moeller and Green and referred to the House Health Care & Wellness Committee.  HB 2859 amends requirements for licensure to include continuing education requirements biennially.  The House Health Care & Wellness Committee has scheduled a public hearing for HB 2859 at 10:00 A.M. on January 31, 2008.  The House Health Care & Wellness Committee provided a substitute and passed the same on February 3, 2008.  HB 2859 was passed to the Rules Committee for second reading on February 5, 2008.  The Committee recommended adoption with amendment on February 14, 2008.  A substitute bill was offered, accepted and HB 2859 passed the third reading on February 14, 2008.  HB 2859 was received by the Senate, passed first reading and referred to the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee on February 16, 2008.  The Committee held a public hearing on HB 2859 on February 27, 2008.  The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee passed HB 2859 on February 29, 2008.  HB 2859 passed Senate Rules Committee for second reading on February 29, 2008.  HB 2859 passed second reading on March 4, 2008.  HB 2859 passed third reading on March 5, 2008.  HB 2859 was delivered to the Governor on March 8, 2008.  HB 2859 was signed by the Governor on March 14, 2008.  Last action taken: HB 2859 was signed by the Governor on March 14, 2008.

House Bill 2883 was introduced by Representatives Green, Roberts and Morrell on January 17, 2008 and referred to the House Health Care & Wellness Committee.  HB 2883 authorizes the Secretary of Health to discipline, deny license to and use criminal background checks to determine fitness of health care providers, including massage therapists.  The House Health Care & Wellness Committee has scheduled a public hearing for HB 2883 at 1:30 P.M. on January 28, 2007.  To view this bill, please visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2007-08/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2883.pdf .    Last action taken: Committee hearing scheduled on January 28, 2008 at 1:30 P.M. 

Senate Bill 6458 was introduced by Senators Keiser , Shin , and Kohl-Welles and referred to the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee.  SB 6458 authorizes the Secretary of Health to discipline, deny license to and use criminal background checks to determine fitness of health care providers, including massage therapists.  The House Health Care & Wellness Committee has scheduled a public hearing for SB 6458 at 1:30 P.M. on January 28, 2007 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care on January 28, 2008 at 1:30 PM.  SB 6458 passed Committee on January 31, 2008 and was referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  The Committee held a public hearing on SB 6458 on February 11, 2008.  The Committee provided a substitute bill and passed SB 6458.  SB 6458 passed third reading on February 15, 2008.  SB 6458 was received by the House, passed first reading and referred to the House Health Care and Wellness Committee on February 19, 2008.  By resolution, the House returned SB 6458 to the Senate Rules Committee for third reading on March 13, 2008.  Last action taken: By resolution, the House returned SB 6458 to the Senate Rules Committee for third reading on March 13, 2008. 

West Virginia

House Bill 4201 was introduced By Delegates Brown, Miley, Burdiss, Talbott, Overington and Sobonya on January 25, 2008 .  The purpose of this bill is to amend and reauthorize the Massage Therapy Licensure Board to promulgate a legislative rule relating to General Provisions.  HB 4201 was referred to the Committee on Government Organization and to be subsequently sent to the Judiciary Committee.  HB 4201 was passed by the Committee on Government Organization and referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 1, 2008.  Last action taken: HB 4201 was passed by the Committee on Government Organization and referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 1, 2008. 

Senate Bill 425 was introduced by Senators Minard, Fanning, Prezioso, Unger, Boley and Facemyer on January 25, 2008.  The purpose of this bill is to amend and reauthorize the Massage Therapy Licensure Board to promulgate a legislative rule relating to General Provisions. SB 425 was referred to the Committee on Government Organization and to be subsequently sent to the Finance Committee then the Judiciary Committee.  The Committee on Government Organization recommended passage of SB 425 and referred to the Finance Committee on February 5, 2008.  The Finance Committee recommended passage of SB 425 and referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 12, 2008.  Last action taken: The Finance Committee recommended passage of SB 425 and referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 12, 2008.

If you are interested in getting involved with your AMTA State Chapter or would like more information on legislative and regulatory activities in your area, please contact Joseph Roth, Government Relations Program Manager at the AMTA National Office.  Toll free (877) 905-2700 or e-mail jroth@amtamassage.org