Legislative Updates

Texas COVID-19 State Update

04/01/2020

There have been many changes in the massage therapy and cosmetology industries and communities in response the COVID-19 (coronavirus). From executive orders affecting businesses, to emergency rulemaking altering renewal timelines, to distance learning modifying the student experience. ABMP, ASCP, and AHP have summarized below how COVID-19 has impacted the licensing regulations and laws in the state of Texas and encourage you to pay special attention to the CARES Act outlined at the bottom of this email, which addresses financial aid and unemployment benefits.

Action Alert: Contact Your Congressperson

03/19/2020

You’re a valued part of our 100,000-plus membership through Professional Assist Corporation. Our dedicated members are massage therapists and bodyworkers, estheticians, hair stylists, and nail professionals—all part of a community of more than 1 million practitioners whose livelihoods are suspended right now due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

California Sunset Review: Legislature Adjourned

03/17/2020

As you are aware, the California Massage Therapy Act is up for sunset review this legislative session. However, ABMP just received confirmation that the California Legislature is adjourned until April 13, 2020. As such, the March 24, 2020, committee hearing is canceled. This is in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the legislature engaging in social distancing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. At this time, we do not know when a hearing will be rescheduled.

Free Sexual Harassment CE Course from ABMP

03/06/2020

ABMP offers members a free, one-hour sexual harassment prevention training CE to meet new Illinois continuing education requirement for massage therapists.

As per the new rule developed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), massage therapists must complete a one-hour course in sexual harassment prevention training. ABMP has confirmed with IDFPR that we are an approved provider for this CE requirement.

California Massage Therapy Sunset Review

03/06/2020

The California Massage Therapy Act is up for sunset review this legislative session. This is a periodic review—the legislature assesses the state of regulation of massage therapy practice, examining how well it serves public interest. In a sunset review, the legislative committee charged with oversight of a profession evaluates the need, effectiveness, and performance of an agency (in this case, the California Massage Therapy Council, or CAMTC) for the purpose of improvement or discontinuance.

Washington Advisory Board Vacancies

02/21/2020

There are currently five vacancies on the Washington Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, Manicuring and Hair Design Advisory Board. If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Board and believe you meet the qualifications, please complete the application form (https://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/600004A.pdf) before the March 8, 2020 deadline. The Advisory Board is seeking to fill the following positions:

New Mexico Massage Licensing Update: HB 155

02/21/2020

New Mexico massage therapy establishment licensing did not make it through the legislative process before 2020 legislative session ended.

Vermont Senate Bill 270 Hearing 2/18

02/18/2020

RE: The Senate Committee on Government Operations is considering a massage therapy licensing bill with Senate Bill 270 (S. 270). (https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/Docs/BILLS/S-0270/S-0270%20As%20Introduced.pdf)

Call for Kentucky Board of Massage Therapy Members & KY HB 346

02/07/2020

The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy is seeking applicants to serve on the board. There are currently three vacancies for licensed massage therapists (LMTs), one of which may be a school owner.

The board consists of seven members—five must be LMTs (at least one but no more than two of those can also be owners or directors of a board-approved school). Candidates must be residents of Kentucky for at least one year and have been practicing massage therapy for at least five of the last seven years. Each board term is three years in length.

Update: Illinois Sexual Harassment CE Requirement for Massage

02/07/2020

ABMP has clarification regarding the previous post on this topic. The sexual harassment prevention training can be completed in a classroom setting, by webinar, or online. This class needs to be completed prior to your next renewal. All massage therapy licenses are up for renewal by December 31, 2020, so the sexual harassment CE must be completed by your renewal.