Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] introduces new requirements for licensure as a massage therapist in Montana, specifically mandating fingerprint-based background checks. Each applicant must submit a full set of fingerprints to the board for state and federal criminal history checks, along with any associated fees. Additionally, the board may require license renewals to also include fingerprint submissions. The Montana Department of Justice is authorized to share the fingerprint data with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The bill amends Section 37-33-502 of the Montana Code Annotated to include the fingerprint requirement as part of the qualifications for licensure. It retains existing requirements such as submitting an application, paying the application fee, and possessing a high school diploma, while also ensuring that applicants demonstrate good moral character. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to all licensure applications submitted on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-33-502
SB0234_1(1): 37-33-502
SB0234_1(2): 37-33-502
SB0234_1: 37-33-502