88R9888 JCG-F By: Parker, Springer S.B. No. 1009 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to regulation of massage therapists and massage establishments by political subdivisions. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 455.005, Occupations Code, is amended by amending Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsection (e) to read as follows: (b) Subject to Subsection (c), this [This] chapter does not affect a local regulation that: (1) relates to: (A) zoning requirements, including conditional use permits; (B) hours of operation; or (C) other [similar] regulations similar to those described by Paragraph (A) or (B) for massage establishments; (2) authorizes or requires an investigation into the background of an owner or operator of, or an investor in, a massage establishment; or (3) does not relate directly to the practice of massage therapy as performed by a licensed massage therapist, including a regulation related to a license holder listed in Section 455.004, while the therapist: (A) performs under the applicable licensing law; and (B) works with a licensed massage therapist. (c) A [Except as provided by Chapter 243, Local Government Code, a] political subdivision may not adopt a regulation of the type described by Subsection (b) that is more restrictive for massage therapists or massage establishments than for other health care professionals or establishments, except that a more restrictive regulation of the type described by Subsection (b) may be adopted: (1) as provided by Chapter 243, Local Government Code; (2) if regulating the hours of operation of a massage therapist or massage establishment; or (3) if the regulation relates to the ownership or operation of a massage establishment, or the provision of massage therapy, by a person: (A) who has on three or more occasions been arrested or issued a citation in lieu of arrest for an offense under Section 43.02, 43.021, 43.03, 43.04, 43.05, or 71.02, Penal Code; (B) who has been convicted of an offense under Chapter 20A, or Section 34.02, 43.02, 43.021, 43.03, 43.04, 43.05, or 71.02, Penal Code; (C) against whom a sanction has been imposed for a violation of this chapter; or (D) who has owned or operated a massage establishment against which a sanction has been imposed for a violation for this chapter. (e) In this section, "sanction" has the meaning assigned by Section 51.001. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.