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AB 1 147 Assembly Bill-Bill Analysis Page 17 of 35 professionals, and ensure full compliance with, and execution of, the requirements of this Act; b) That broad control over land use in regulating massage establishments be returned to local governments so that they may manage those establishments in the best interest of the individual community, and that the requirements and practice of the profession of massage therapy remain a matter of statewide concern, regulation, and oversight; and, c) That local governments, law enforcement, nonprofit stakeholders, the massage industry, and massage professionals work together going forward to improve communication and share information to further increase the value of statewide certification, and also to develop a model ordinance reflecting best practices in massage regulation for cities and counties to adopt that will respect local control, patient privacy, and the dignity of the profession of massage therapy. FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This measure has been "keyed" fiscal by Legislative Counsel. COMMENTS: 1.Purpose. According to the Authors, on March 10, 2014, the Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee and the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee held AB 1147 Page 23 a joint Sunset Review hearing to investigate CAMTC's performance and the related impacts on local governments. A comprehensive review of CAMTC and testimony from the hearing revealed that current law is clearly not operating the way it was intended. The review of CAMTC demonstrated that the organization faces many challenges to its ability to fulfill its mission, including: the need for greater oversight of educational institutions; a need for establishment and business inspections; a need for better administrative controls; and, a revised board more responsive to stakeholders. In addition, it was clear that local governments strongly desired to regain land use authority over establishments using certified professionals, and for CAMTC to enhance its communications with local government and law enforcement entities to better help in stopping individuals and businesses engaged in illegal activity from masquerading as legitimate healing arts practitioners and damaging the reputation of the massage therapy profession. Authors also indicate that, in addition, recent news stories have highlighted the concern in some communities about a rise in the number of massage businesses, as well as the fear that some of those businesses are operating as a front for prostitution or other illegal activities. As stated by Assembly Member Bonilla "In an effort to enhance consumer protection and local control, this bill makes major changes to the current regulatory system for massage therapy. This bill will restore the ability for cities to better control massage establishments while raising certification standards and creating a stronger regulatory system for massage professionals. It will also reconstitute the Board of the California Massage Therapy Council to make it more inclusive by incorporating a broader range of stakeholders who care about the massage industry in California, including a city attorney and a member of an anti-human trafficking organization. It also clarifies the rights of the profession, and sets out certain protections for consumers of massage. Unfortunately, the current massage therapy law http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/I3-I4/bill/asm/ab_1101-1150/ab_I 147_cfa_20140620_11 l I l5_sen_comm.html 7/3/2014