HF 2602: A bill for an act relating to the licensure of massage establishments, and making penalties applicable. - Iowa

Enrolled → Enrolled with Governor's Action · 4 edits · May 13, 2026

MODERATE

This bill enacts a new licensing framework for massage establishments in Iowa, requiring owners to obtain a license starting January 1, 2027. It defines specific exclusions, such as home visits and student clinics, while establishing strict record-keeping and criminal background check requirements for all licensed establishments.

Scope change

The bill expands regulatory oversight to include physical locations where massage therapy is practiced, while explicitly exempting certain settings like home visits, mobile devices operated by customers, and student clinics.

DEFINITION

New definitions for 'Establishment' and 'Sole practitioner' clarify which locations require licensing and which do not.

REQUIREMENT

Establishment owners must now provide fingerprints for federal background checks and maintain detailed records of clients and therapists for three years.

ENFORCEMENT

The board gains authority to inspect facilities, impose civil penalties up to $10,000 for repeat offenses, and revoke licenses based on criminal history or misconduct.

TIMELINE

The new licensing requirements for establishments take effect on January 1, 2027.

Signed Enrolled Bill (PDF) → Enrolled · 5 edits · May 13, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized by removing the Governor's signature page and standardizing the formatting of the text. Substantively, the legislation establishes a new licensing requirement for massage establishments starting January 1, 2027, requiring owners to undergo criminal background checks and maintain detailed client records for three years. The bill also defines specific disqualifying criminal acts, such as human trafficking and child abuse, and outlines the board's authority to suspend or revoke licenses based on misconduct or complaints.

Scope change

The bill introduces a new regulatory framework specifically for massage establishments, requiring them to obtain a separate license distinct from individual therapist licenses.

REQUIREMENT

Establishments must obtain a license from the board by January 1, 2027, and owners must submit fingerprints for a national criminal history check.

Establishments are required to keep records for three years, including names of all massage therapists and clients, as well as appointment schedules and receipts.

DEFINITION

The term 'sole practitioner' is defined as a therapist who operates a location over which they have physical control and from which they are the only provider of services.

ENFORCEMENT

The board is granted authority to deny, suspend, or revoke establishment licenses based on criminal history, public complaints, or evidence of misconduct.

TECHNICAL

Removed the Governor's signature page and corrected formatting inconsistencies, such as line numbers and spacing, to finalize the enrolled version of the bill.

Introduced → Signed Enrolled Bill (PDF) · 6 edits · May 13, 2026

MODERATE

This bill establishes a formal licensing system for massage therapy establishments in Iowa, effective January 1, 2027. It creates new definitions for 'establishments' and 'sole practitioners' to clarify which locations require a license, while exempting mobile therapists and those working within other licensed facilities. The legislation introduces stricter enforcement measures, including mandatory criminal background checks for establishment owners, the authority to revoke licenses for misconduct, and specific penalties for operating without a license.

Scope change

The bill expands the regulatory scope to include physical locations where massage therapy is offered, requiring these businesses to obtain a separate license distinct from individual therapist licenses. It clarifies that mobile services provided at a client's home and devices operated by the customer do not require an establishment license.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'Establishment' and 'Sole practitioner' to distinguish between licensed business locations and individual mobile therapists.

REQUIREMENT

Requires establishment owners to submit fingerprints for a national criminal history check as a condition for licensure.

Mandates that establishments maintain detailed records for three years, including client names, therapist names, and appointment schedules.

ENFORCEMENT

Empowers the board to revoke establishment licenses based on misconduct or criminal acts and allows for emergency suspension upon discovery of pending criminal charges against owners.

Amended existing penalty sections to explicitly include civil penalties for operating an unlicensed establishment and to clarify the definition of a serious misdemeanor.

TIMELINE

Sets the effective date for the new establishment licensing requirements as January 1, 2027.

A bill for an act relating to the licensure of massage establishments, and making penalties applicable.

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