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DelawareHB 136153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MASSAGE AND BODYWORK.

Sponsored By: Melanie Ross Levin (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.

Tougher penalties and inspections for massage businesses

Unlawfully operating, managing, owning, or advertising a massage business is a class A misdemeanor. Penalty: up to 1 year in jail, a fine up to $2,300, or both. During inspections, locked doors must be opened right away when an official asks. Refusing is treated as unlawful operation and brings the same penalties. The Superior Court handles violations.

Unlicensed massage shops must post placards

Shops without a valid license, or with a suspended, revoked, or expired license, must display an Attorney General-provided placard at each entrance. You may not remove the placard unless the Division approves removal. Unlawfully removing a required placard is a class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail and up to $2,300 in fines. The Superior Court handles these cases.

Fines for unlicensed massage practice

It is a misdemeanor to practice massage or bodywork, or use titles that imply you are qualified, without a current license or certification. First offense: $100 to $500 fine. Second or later conviction: $500 to $1,000 fine. The Superior Court handles these cases.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Krista Griffith

    Democratic • House

  • Stephanie L. Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Debra Heffernan

    Democratic • House

  • Kimberly Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Spiros Mantzavinos

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nicole Poore

    Democratic • Senate

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 58 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/25/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    9/26/2025Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    6/25/2025Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Legislative Oversight & Sunset) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits

    6/11/2025Senate

  4. Assigned to Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee in Senate

    5/20/2025Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 4 ABSENT

    5/20/2025House

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability)) in House with 1 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

    5/14/2025House

  7. Introduced and Assigned to Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) Committee in House

    5/6/2025House

Bill Text

Related Bills

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