SPONSOR: Peters
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Economic Development by a vote of 15 to 0.
This bill also creates the "Interstate Massage Compact". Massage Therapists licensed in a state that participates in the Compact can practice in other participating states without additional requirements.
The bill specifies the conditions for a state to join and continue as a participating state, such as enacting a compact that is not materially different from the model compact, implementing a criminal background check requirement, accepting certain examinations and accreditations, and paying a participation fee to the Interstate Massage Compact Commission. The bill defines the qualifications and obligations of a licensee who seeks to obtain and exercise a compact privilege in a remote state, such as having a qualifying license, meeting any jurisprudence requirement, reporting any adverse action, and complying with the scope of practice of the remote state.
The bill establishes the "Interstate Massage Compact Commission", composed of one commissioner from each participating state, to administer and enforce the Compact. The Commission will have the power to adopt rules and bylaws, maintain a data system, charge fees, conduct investigations, hire employees, take disciplinary actions, issue subpoenas, initiate legal proceedings, and other operational tasks as specified in the bill. The bill also outlines the procedures and standards for the Commission's meetings, financial review, executive board, and annual report.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill supports Missouri workforce and will help grow the economy. This will strengthen public safety by establishing mandatory fingerprinting background checks for massage therapists, which could reduce sex trafficking. Some say that this bill will bring in more licensed massage therapists and grow small businesses.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Peters; Eric Busick; Kevin Snedden; Patty Glenn, Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that these compacts are unconstitutional on both the State and Federal levels. This bill gives the rulemaking authority to the compact board, and not the state legislature.
Testifying in person against the bill was Lisa Pannett.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: