Bill > HB975

This bill aims to regulate advertising by licensed massage therapists and registered massage practitioners, who are individuals licensed by the state to provide massage therapy services. It prohibits these professionals, as well as any third parties acting on their behalf, from placing or distributing advertisements that offer prostitution, escort, or sexual services, or that imply sexual activity is part of the massage therapy. Furthermore, the bill mandates that all advertisements for massage therapy services must clearly display the full name of the licensed massage therapist or registered massage practitioner providing the services, along with their corresponding license or registration number, unless the advertisement is for a business employing multiple practitioners, in which case it is not required to list each individual. This legislation also clarifies that while trade names can be used, they must not be deceptive, and the advertisement must still include the name of the individual practitioner or the business entity. The bill also establishes that violations can occur daily for online advertisements and for failing to remove physical signs that violate these rules, and it sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0975?ys=2026RS