With one exception, the information posted in November regarding 2008 California legislative plans remains operative. The exception is the timing. That November posting expressed optimism that "we may be able to advance a new bill through at a somewhat faster pace in 2008." Our desire…
Recent News and Legislative Updates
On January 13, 2008, Governor Corzine signed Senate Bill 2536, sponsored by Senator Nia Gill, into law. In November, ABMP reported that Assembly Bill 4455, sponsored by Assemblyman Wilfredo Carraballo, passed out of the Assembly Regulated Professions and Independent Authorities Committee. In…
Massachusetts Licensing Update
The Board of Registration of Massage Therapy is now accepting applications for a state license to practice massage therapy. Municipalities will no longer have jurisdiction over issuing licenses to massage therapists. The state board has sent a letter…
Michigan REPEALS Service Tax
On December 1, 2007, Governor Granholm signed HB 5408 into law. The law essentially repeals the controversial service tax passed in October and creates a Michigan Business Tax surcharge that is part of a compromise budget solution. Massage therapists,…
Assembly Bill 4455, sponsored by Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo (D – Dist. 29), was passed out of the Assembly Regulated Professions and Independent Authorities Committee Monday, November 19, 2007. A4455 would amend the current voluntary certification law by establishing a practice act that…
In an effort to avert a full government shutdown and address the state's budget deficit, the Michigan State Legislature passed a tax on services, including "massage," on October 1, 2007. There are two bills being considered by the legislature at this time. One, SB 838, would repeal the tax…
After consultation in Sacramento with ABMP's government relations representatives and with key legislators and staff, we intend to participate in a renewed effort in 2008 at securing statewide massage regulation. The motive: problems with inconsistent, burdensome local regulation are not going…
Massage Therapists Evaluate A Predictable Response from DORA
Colorado law requires that individuals or groups proposing legislation to regulate any occupation or profession first submit information to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for the purpose of sunrise review…
Governor O'Malley has called a Special Session of the General Assembly that will commence on Monday, October 29, 2007. The purpose of the session is to address Maryland's $1.7 billion deficit.
Contained in Governor O'Malley's proposal is an expansion of the sales tax, including a sales tax…