A committee substitute for HB 3094 was submitted to the Criminal Justice Committee of the Senate on Thursday May 21st. This substitute was introduced because of all your previous contact to the legislators.

The substitute includes changes to the language that is preferable to the original version but still includes language that is perceived by many to be detrimental and damaging to the massage industry.

The substitute was passed out of committee and will soon be voted on by the Senate. This is potentially the last step before HB 3094 becomes Law.

Go here to read the Senate Committee Report:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB3094

Clients, Friends and Supporters of Massage Therapy,

Thanks for you help! We would not be where we are with out you.

We need numbers.

We need many, many individuals who believe massage therapy is just that - therapy.

Contact your Senators and let them know you are opposed to HB 3094.

Please stand with us and make your voice heard.

What You Can Do

Take some time to read HB 3094 and absorb it's potential effect on you and your industry.

Contact your local State Senator by phone, fax or email.

Go here to find your Senator:   http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/  
In the 'Who Represents Me' box on the right of that page fill in your address and zip code. Click submit.

This will take you to a page listing your local legislators. You need to contact the Texas State Senator.

Click their underlined name. This will take you to the Senator's personal page.

From this page find the email link. Click this and it will take you to a automated email system. This will allow you to email them directly at their office.

Phone and fax numbers are listed lower on the page.

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Forward this information to your clients, fellow therapists and anyone you know that is in support of massage therapy.

Why This is Important to YOU and the Massage Industry

Occupations Code 455 clearly states that the word massage may not be used by a sexually oriented business. Administrative Code 140 states that the word massage may only be used in advertising by a licensee.

HB 3094 defines a massage parlor as a business establishment that provides massage services by a nude person and to engage in sexual contact for compensation.

We can not allow this to occur. We can not allow sexually oriented businesses to be associated with the massage industry.

The committee substitute removed the language making this bill specific to Harris County.

This is now a State wide concern.

What to Say

Please do not copy and paste this text. Use it as a guide. Speak from your heart.

Above all other things and if nothing else:
Dear Senator _____, I am a constituent, I vote, I am opposed to HB 3094. Please vote NO on HB 3094.

That you:
-AGREE with the intent and purpose of HB 3094.
-OBJECT to the wording and the definition of a 'massage parlor'.
-DO NOT want massage associated with sexually oriented businesses.

Specifics:
Occupations Code 455:
-does not permit the use of the word Massage to be associated with sexually oriented businesses.
-Massage is a health care service and is for therapeutic purposes only.

Administrative Code 140:
-A person who is not licensed shall not use the word "massage" on any sign, display, or other form of advertising.