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Bill

S 7496

Removes references to the terms "masseur" and "masseuse"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lea Webb

Bill S 7496 removes gender-specific terms "masseur" and "masseuse," promoting inclusivity by standardizing the title to "massage therapist" for all professionals.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 7496

Summary of Bill S 7496

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 7496
  • Title: Removes references to the terms "masseur" and "masseuse"
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced: April 17, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 7496 aims to modernize the terminology used in the field of massage therapy by removing the gender-specific terms "masseur" (male massage therapist) and "masseuse" (female massage therapist) from legal and regulatory texts. The intent is to promote gender neutrality and inclusivity within the profession, reflecting contemporary views on gender identity and professional roles.

Key Provisions

  • Terminology Update: The bill proposes to eliminate the terms "masseur" and "masseuse" from all relevant statutes and regulations, replacing them with the gender-neutral term "massage therapist."
  • Professional Recognition: By standardizing the terminology, the bill seeks to enhance the professional recognition of all individuals practicing massage therapy, regardless of gender.

Impact

  • Professionals Affected: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be massage therapists who may feel that gender-specific titles do not accurately represent their professional identity. The change aims to foster a more inclusive environment within the industry.
  • Regulatory Changes: State and local regulatory bodies overseeing massage therapy will need to update their documentation, training materials, and licensing processes to reflect the new terminology.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Action: As of April 17, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education Committee for further consideration. This step is crucial for the bill's progression through the legislative process.
  • Related Legislation: The bill is related to S 6275, which was introduced in a prior session. This connection may indicate ongoing discussions about terminology and professional standards in the massage therapy field.

Conclusion

Bill S 7496 represents a significant step towards inclusivity in the massage therapy profession by removing outdated and gender-specific terminology. If passed, it will require updates to regulatory frameworks and could positively impact the professional identity of massage therapists across the state.

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

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