S.B. No. 703 amends the Occupations Code to establish stricter eligibility requirements for obtaining a license as a massage establishment, massage school, massage therapist, or massage therapy instructor. Under the new provisions, individuals who have been convicted of, pled nolo contendere or guilty to, or received deferred adjudication for specific offenses, including those under Chapter 20A and various sections of the Penal Code, will be ineligible for licensure. The bill expands the list of disqualifying offenses to include criminal attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations related to these offenses, as well as similar offenses under federal law or other states' laws.

Additionally, the bill mandates the revocation of licenses for massage therapists or instructors who are convicted of offenses described in the new eligibility criteria or who practice massage therapy at sexually oriented businesses. It also updates the definition of "health care services provider" to include licensed massage therapists. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes, which will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 22.011 (Penal Code 22, Occupations Code 455)
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 22.011 (Penal Code 22, Occupations Code 455)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 22.011 (Penal Code 22, Occupations Code 455)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 22.011 (Penal Code 22, Occupations Code 455)
Enrolled: Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 22.011 (Penal Code 22, Occupations Code 455)