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HD 182

An Act eliminating the residency requirement for fortune tellers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Higgins and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill removes residency requirement for fortune teller licenses, allowing out-of-state practitioners to operate in the state while maintaining other regulatory standards.

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Bill Summary · HD 182

Legislative bill overview

HD 182 removes the current requirement that fortune tellers must be Massachusetts residents to obtain and maintain a license to operate in the state. The bill streamlines licensing by eliminating this residency-based restriction while maintaining other regulatory requirements for fortune telling businesses.

Why is this important

Fortune telling is a licensed profession in Massachusetts with specific regulatory standards. Removing residency requirements could expand the pool of qualified practitioners available to consumers and reduce barriers to entry for practitioners who wish to work in Massachusetts but live elsewhere. This reflects broader trends toward remote work and service provision across state lines.

Potential points of contention

  • Interstate competition concerns: Local fortune tellers may worry about increased competition from out-of-state practitioners with lower overhead costs
  • Regulatory enforcement challenges: Monitoring and disciplining out-of-state licensees may be more difficult if they lack local presence or ties
  • Consumer protection questions: Whether current oversight mechanisms adequately protect Massachusetts consumers when practitioners operate remotely or from outside the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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