The Woodstock City Council has gone on the record opposing pending state legislation that city officials say would preempt local regulation of massage therapy businesses.
House Bill 242 could “undermine self-determination of citizens to establish community standards” and “negatively impact economic development efforts,” and “may inadvertently constrain law enforcement of human trafficking,” according to a resolution approved by the council.
“Although HB 242 has good parts as it relates to licensure requirements for the massage therapy profession … it goes too far restricting local jurisdictions on the business establishments,” the resolution says.
Woodstock last fall updated its massage parlor ordinance that requires massage businesses and therapists to be licensed, that a licensee or designated manager be on site during hours of operation, and there be no locks of doors where massages are given, among other rules.
The House passed HB 242 on a 156-13 vote March 4, and the bill is pending in the Senate. Information: https://bit.ly/2FfkPCg
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