This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for massage establishments in New Hampshire, mandating that all such establishments be licensed and overseen by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). It introduces a new definition for "massage establishment" and outlines prohibited acts, including operating without a license and failing to have a licensed professional manage the establishment. The bill also details the licensing requirements, which include adherence to health and safety standards, and specifies that the advisory board of massage therapists will now receive compensation for their services, as the previous prohibition on compensation has been removed. Additionally, the bill clarifies the licensing process by repealing and reenacting certain sections of existing law, establishing that operating without a license is a misdemeanor, and allowing for the issuance of licenses to owners who employ licensed therapists. It exempts sole proprietors and independent contractors from needing an establishment license under specific conditions. The legislation also creates a new classified position for an investigative paralegal within the OPLC to aid in enforcement, with an effective date of July 1, 2027. The anticipated costs for this new position are projected at $101,000 for FY 2028 and $102,000 for FY 2029, while the overall fiscal impact remains indeterminable due to the unknown number of establishments requiring licensure.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 328-B:1, 328-B:2, 328-B:3, 328-B:4, 328-B:6, 328-B:7, 328-B:8, 328-B:10, 328-H:2, 328-H:4, 328-H:5, 328-H:10, 328-H:13
As Amended by the House: 328-B:1, 328-B:2, 328-B:3, 328-B:4, 328-B:7, 328-B:10, 328-H:2, 328-H:4, 328-H:5, 328-H:10, 328-H:13
HB1469 text: 328-B:1, 328-B:2, 328-B:3, 328-B:4, 328-B:6, 328-B:7, 328-B:8, 328-B:10, 328-H:2, 328-H:4, 328-H:5, 328-H:10, 328-H:13