HB 3819
Allows the State Board of Massage Therapists to post a placard on the exterior of a massage facility found to have committed specified violations.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
90%
Oppose
10%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows the State Board of Massage Therapists to post a placard on massage facilities found to have violated laws or rules. It also increases fines for violations and punishments for repeat offenses, including operating a facility without a permit or engaging in prostitution near a facility. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of ‘public official’ to include massage therapists and addresses reflexology registration and reporting requirements, including the admissibility of certain statements in criminal cases.
Key provisions
- Allows the State Board of Massage Therapists to post a placard on massage facilities with violations.
- Increases civil penalties for violations from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Increases punishments for operating a massage facility without a permit or practicing without a license, up to five years imprisonment and a $125,000 fine.
- Expands the definition of ‘public official’ to include massage therapists.
- Establishes requirements for reflexology registration and prohibits practicing without it.
- Increases penalties for promoting or compelling prostitution when committed within a specified distance of a massage facility.
- Addresses the admissibility of certain hearsay statements in sexual crime cases.
- Mandates reporting of abuse by massage therapists.
Who is affected
- Massage therapists
- Massage facility owners and operators
- Individuals seeking massage therapy
- The State Board of Massage Therapists
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsor
James Manning Jr.
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3819 emphasize the need to protect public safety and prevent human trafficking through targeted regulation and law enforcement efforts. Many testifiers, including licensed massage therapists, advocate for increased regulation and crackdowns on illicit massage businesses (IMBs) to combat human trafficking. The bill is seen as crucial for addressing this critical issue, with supporters highlighting its importance in protecting vulnerable women and preventing exploitation. Testifiers also express enthusiasm for the measure's potential to reduce human trafficking and promote legitimate massage therapy businesses, emphasizing the need for additional resources and support for victims of human trafficking.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill express concern that it fails to adequately address the disproportionate impact on licensed Chinese massage therapists and their friends, who are disproportionately affected by the illicit massage industry. They argue that the bill's punitive measures may lead to racial profiling, discrimination, and harm against small business owners, particularly those of Asian descent. Furthermore, they contend that the bill's approach will disproportionately harm Asian and immigrant-owned businesses, and urge lawmakers to consider alternatives that prioritize community education, licensing support, and civil penalties, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.