This bill establishes a licensure requirement for operating massage establishments and facilities that provide services such as massage, reflexology, structural integration, and Asian bodywork. It defines a "massage establishment" as a commercial location where multiple individuals perform massage, excluding certain medical and public accommodations. The bill introduces the term "massage establishment proprietor," who is responsible for the establishment's operations and must ensure that all employed or contracted massage therapists hold valid licenses. It also outlines prohibited acts, such as operating without the necessary licenses, and mandates background checks for proprietors to verify their identity and criminal history. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include definitions and requirements for "bodywork establishments," which are similar to those for massage establishments.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that all licenses will expire in accordance with RSA 310:8 and requires criminal history record checks for applicants seeking initial licensure or reinstatement. It mandates that every applicant must submit a criminal history record information authorization form and fingerprints taken by an authorized entity. If the first set of fingerprints is invalid, a second attempt is required, and if both fail, police clearances from the applicant's past residences may be accepted. The office of professional licensure and certification will conduct criminal history checks through state police and the FBI, ensuring confidentiality. The applicant bears the costs of these checks, and the act is set to take effect on July 2, 2027, with a projected fiscal impact of less than $10,000 for the fiscal years 2028 through 2029.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 328-B:4, 328-B:5, 328-B:7, 328-H:2, 328-H:4, 328-H:5
As Amended by the House (2nd): 328-B:4, 328-B:5, 328-B:7, 328-H:2, 328-H:4, 328-H:5