WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 420

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

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Marie Pinkney and 2 co-sponsors

HB 420 updates Delaware massage and bodywork regulation, including licensure, scope of practice, consumer protections, and enforcement, with a Sunset review.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 420

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HB 420
  • Session: 153
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware
  • Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MASSAGE AND BODY WORK
  • Status: Introduced and assigned to Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) in the House on 2026-05-13
  • Prime sponsors: Nicole Poore; Co-sponsors: Madinah Wilson-Anton, Marie Pinkney

Purpose and Intent

HB 420 aims to amend the Delaware Code provisions governing massage therapy and bodywork. While the exact text of the amendments is not provided in the summary, bills with this focus typically seek to update regulatory standards, licensure requirements, scope of practice, consumer protection measures, and enforcement mechanisms for massage therapists and related practitioners. The involvement of the Sunset Committee suggests a review or modernization of existing statutes to improve accountability, clarity, and public safety.

Key Provisions (Expected Elements)

Note: The following elements align with common components of Delaware massage and bodywork regulation changes and may reflect what HB 420 would address. The precise language may differ; consult the bill text for exact terms.

  • Licensure and Certification

    • Possible updates to requirements for massage therapists, body workers, and spa-related professionals (education, examinations, continuing education).
    • Potential changes to licensure renewal processes, fees, and approved programs.

  • Scope of Practice

    • Clarification of permissible services and boundaries for licensed practitioners.
    • Distinctions between licensed massage therapy and other hands-on bodywork modalities.

  • Consumer Protection and Safety

    • Enhanced safeguarding provisions to protect clients from improper conduct, sexual harassment, or exploitation.
    • Standards for facility operating conditions, hygiene, privacy, and professional conduct.

  • Regulations and Oversight

    • Roles and authority of the regulating board or agency (likely a state board related to health professionals or massage therapy).
    • Provisions for inspections, investigations, disciplinary actions, and grounds for license suspension or revocation.

  • Education and Training

    • Requirements for approved schooling programs, clinical hours, or supervised practice.

  • Enforcement and Penalties

    • Penalties for non-compliance, including fines, license denial, or other disciplinary measures.
    • Provisions for due process in disciplinary actions.

  • Sunset/Coverage

    • The bill’s assignment to the Sunset Committee indicates a potential sunset provision or a stated review timeline to reassess the regulatory framework after a set period.

Affected Parties

  • Licensed massage therapists, bodyworkers, and related practitioners in Delaware.
  • Training programs and schools offering massage therapy or bodywork instruction.
  • Regulated facilities (spas, clinics, wellness centers) providing massage or bodywork services.
  • Consumers/patients receiving massage or bodywork services, who would gain clarified protections and safety standards.
  • The state regulatory body overseeing massage therapy and related professions.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction: HB 420 introduced on 2026-05-13.
  • Committee Assignment: Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) in the House.
  • Next steps typically include committee review, potential amendments, hearings, and a vote in the House, followed by consideration in the Senate and any final passage before potential enactment.
  • Sunset Committee involvement suggests a future evaluation or potential sunset timing to reassess the law’s effectiveness and need for continuation.

Potential Impacts

  • Improved clarity and consistency in licensure and scope of practice for massage professionals.
  • Enhanced consumer protections against abuse and unsafe practices.
  • Strengthened regulatory oversight and accountability of licensees and regulated facilities.
  • Possible modifications to education, testing, and renewal requirements that could affect practitioners and training programs.
  • A structured timeline for future review to ensure the statute remains current with industry standards and public safety needs.

Note: For a precise understanding of HB 420’s provisions, reading the actual bill text and any accompanying fiscal notes or committee analyses is recommended. The summary above reflects typical themes in masssage and bodywork regulatory updates and the procedural placement indicated in the available information.

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

Sign in to ask a question.