Kentucky proposes clearer regulation of massage businesses
Kentucky lawmakers are considering legislation that would give local governments clearer authority to regulate businesses offering massage services while maintaining statewide control over the professional licensing and practice standards for massage therapists. The proposed measure would allow cities and other local governments to establish and enforce requirements involving occupational licensing, zoning, inspections, advertising, hours of operation, and sanitation for massage businesses. Supporters said the legislation is intended in part to provide local officials with stronger tools to identify businesses operating illegally, including situations involving suspected human trafficking, while distinguishing regulation of businesses from the state’s authority over licensed massage therapists. The proposal would also increase the penalty for practicing massage therapy without a license from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor and treat each unlicensed massage as a separate offense. Lawmakers raised questions about whether additional local requirements could create inconsistent standards across Kentucky and whether existing laws already provide sufficient tools to address unlicensed practice and human trafficking. The legislation cannot be considered for passage until the 2027 legislative session.