The bill mandates that all applicants for licensure as massage therapists in Montana must undergo fingerprint-based background checks. Specifically, it requires applicants to submit a full set of fingerprints to the board, which will facilitate a criminal record check through the Montana Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Additionally, the bill allows the board to require licensees renewing their licenses to also submit fingerprints for a background check. The bill includes new legal language that specifies these requirements and prohibits the dissemination of criminal history information across state lines.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 37-33-502 of the Montana Code Annotated to include the fingerprint submission requirement as part of the qualifications for licensure. The existing requirement for applicants to be of good moral character is retained, and the new language clarifies that the fingerprint submission is necessary for the background check. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-33-502