Bill > AB1504

This bill amends various sections of California law related to the California Massage Therapy Council, making several key changes to how massage therapists are certified and regulated. The bill removes the requirement for the Chancellor of California Community Colleges to appoint a board member and modifies the appointment process for the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, now requiring their appointed member to represent an approved massage school. It also introduces a salary cap for council employees, limiting their total annual salary to match that of certain state officers. The bill eliminates the requirement for massage therapists to pass a competency examination, instead requiring massage schools to inform students that such an exam may be required in other states. Additionally, the bill clarifies grounds for denying or disciplining massage therapy certificates, including removing some specific dress code restrictions while maintaining a general standard of professional attire. The bill expands the council's discretion in investigating applicants' educational backgrounds and provides more detailed procedures for appeals of council decisions. Notably, the bill extends the sunset date of the Massage Therapy Act from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2030, and emphasizes the intent to recognize massage professionals as healthcare providers. The bill also introduces more transparency requirements, such as publishing proposed policy changes and making records more publicly accessible, while protecting sensitive investigatory information.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

Business and Professions (Assembly)

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1504