SB 554, a bill sponsored by Senator Paul Pinsky, has passed third reading in the House and is on its way to passage.  The bill grants counties with some authority to regulate massage establishments.

MACo supported the bill as it would allow counties in conjunction with the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners to enact local laws to address unscrupulous massage establishments that create unsafe environments for patrons, employees, and the communities in which they operate.  Unfortunately, some establishments in the industry have become involved in human trafficking and prostitution issues, which have been difficult for counties to address.