New HampshireHB14692025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

(New Title) relative to the licensing requirements for massage therapy establishments.

Sponsored By: Charles H Foote (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Massage advisory board members can receive pay

Beginning January 1, 2027, massage therapist advisory board members are no longer required to serve without pay. The law permits compensation but sets no amount and does not require payment. The board has three New Hampshire-licensed massage therapists serving staggered three-year terms, with limits on consecutive service. It advises state licensing officials on licensing and regulation.

State replaces local massage business licensing

Beginning January 1, 2027, New Hampshire towns and cities cannot adopt or enforce local licensing rules for covered establishments. This covers massage, reflexology, structural integration, and Asian bodywork therapy businesses. A municipal massage establishment license already in effect that day remains valid for state-law purposes until it expires. Applicable state licensing rules still apply.

Massage practitioners face updated licensing rules

Beginning January 1, 2027, massage licenses follow the state's expiration schedule: the last day of the licensee's birth month in even-numbered years. An initial license lasts until the next scheduled expiration date. Renewal requires the executive director's approval and payment of the applicable fee; fee amounts are set by rule. Illegal activity, including prostitution or human trafficking, becomes a licensing criterion for massage and covered bodywork applicants and licensees. It can lead to license denial or discipline. Enforcement tools include cease-and-desist orders, license limits, suspension, revocation, and civil fines, with hearing and appeal rights.

New licenses for massage and bodywork businesses

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered New Hampshire establishments must obtain and clearly post state licenses before operating. This covers massage, reflexology, structural integration, and Asian bodywork therapy businesses where more than one person offers services. Sole proprietors—owners with no employees—and independent contractors generally qualify for exemptions, but need establishment licenses for walk-in services. Residential care and health facilities licensed under state law are exempt. Establishments must operate under a licensed professional's direct supervision and management. Unlicensed owners must hire a licensed manager and cannot personally practice under the business license. License fees are set by rule, with reduced fees allowed for businesses already licensed by the state professional licensing office. Applicants must provide certification of good standing from the Secretary of State. State rules cover health, safety, records, license display, and inspections by qualified inspectors. Owners, managers, or agents who operate without a required establishment license commit a misdemeanor.

State funds massage licensing enforcement staff

Beginning January 1, 2027, the state creates one classified investigative paralegal job at labor grade 22 in its professional licensing office. The law provides the money needed for salary and necessary expenses from the office's fund, without a fixed dollar amount. Fiscal estimates also include an inspector, a chief inspector, and two field vehicles. Total estimated costs are $403,000 in fiscal year 2027, $316,000 in 2028, and $326,000 in 2029. The paralegal accounts for $101,000, $102,000, and $107,000 in those years, respectively. Fees, fines, and penalties may offset costs, but the fiscal note warns that offsets are uncertain. Costs may exceed current funding and require higher fees or affect other state operations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Charles H Foote
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bill M. Gannon
Republican • Senate
Daryl Abbas
Republican • Senate
David E Milz
Republican • House
Debra Altschiller
Democratic • Senate
Dennis Mannion
Republican • House
Jennifer M Rhodes
Republican • House
Jodi L Nelson
Republican • House
Joe Sweeney
Republican • House
Kimberly A Rice
Affiliation unavailable
Nancy A Murphy
Democratic • House
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Terry W Roy
Republican • House
Unknown sponsor (PersonID 9225)
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 323 • No: 28

House vote • 3/26/2026

OTPA