Legislation dealing with massage therapists is now heading to the Governor. Two years ago, a law was created pre-empting locals from licensing massage therapists but not affecting the ability of locals to license and regulate massage establishments. The League was neutral on the bill at the time because the requirements were strong enough to satisfy all municipalities with therapist licenseure ordinances. The League did say, at the time, that we did not want to see a period of time where there was no one regulating these individuals.
That law took effect before the Department of Community Health was able to promulgate rules, so there have been no licensures recently because the state doesn't have the rules in place and locals are pre-empted from regulating them. Massage therapists have been complaining that they are out of work and not able to get licensed. Rep. Vince Gregory (D-Southfield) sponsored HB 5749, which will allow local governments the ability to regulate massage therapists until the state promulgates rules, then gives another year to give to phase out their regulations. That bill passed the House and, this week, passed the Senate unanimously. It is expected that the Governor will sign the legislation. The League testified in support of this bill.
Andy Schor is the Assistant Director of State Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact him at (517) 908-0300 or by email.
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