✅Relating to the regulation of massage therapy.

HB 1732

✅ HB 1732: Tightens Massage License Rules to Block Offenders

What it says it does:
HB 1732 adds “indecent assault” to the list of crimes that disqualify someone from getting or keeping a massage therapy license in Texas. It also requires the state to revoke licenses from people convicted of these crimes or found to have worked at a sexually oriented business.

What it actually changes:
The bill updates the Occupations Code to include indecent assault and consolidates all disqualifying offenses in one section. It also gives the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation authority to revoke a license based on its own determination, not just a court ruling.

Who is pushing for it:
Authored by Rep. Hernandez, supported by Sen. Zaffirini in the Senate. Witnesses for the bill included the City of Houston and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Who benefits:
Clients and legitimate massage businesses that want stronger protections and cleaner industry standards. The public gains from having clearer safeguards against individuals with sexual assault or trafficking convictions.

Who gets left out or exposed:
People who might lose a license through administrative determination rather than a criminal conviction could face uneven enforcement if future rules are vague. The files do not show clear details about an appeals process.

Why this matters long term:
This law strengthens screening and enforcement but also expands agency discretion. If applied fairly, it could restore trust in the licensing system. If left unclear, it could create inconsistency or confusion for workers and businesses.

What to watch next:
TDLR must write rules to carry out the law. Texans should watch how “determines” is defined and whether an appeal process or public reporting system is added.

Bottom line:
HB 1732 closes a real gap in public safety rules and gives regulators tools to keep bad actors out of the industry. The next test is whether those tools are used fairly, transparently, and consistently.

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