The proposed bill mandates that all applicants for licensure as massage therapists in Montana must undergo fingerprint-based background checks. Specifically, each applicant is required to submit a full set of fingerprints to the board, which will facilitate a state and federal criminal history background check. Additionally, the bill allows the board to request fingerprints from licensees renewing their licenses. 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 requirement for fingerprint submission as part of the qualifications for licensure. It removes the phrase "and" before the requirement for good moral character and adds a new requirement that applicants must submit fingerprints for the background check. The bill also establishes an effective date of July 1, 2025, and specifies that it applies to applications for licensure submitted on or after that date.

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