California Assembly Bill AB1504

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/25
• Refer: 3/13/25
• Report Pass: 4/21/25
• Refer: 4/22/25
• Report Pass: 4/29/25
• Refer: 5/1/25
• Report Pass: 5/14/25
• Engrossed: 5/19/25
• Refer: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/28/25
• Report Pass: 6/26/25
• Refer: 6/26/25
• Report Pass: 6/30/25
• Refer: 6/30/25
• Report Pass: 7/15/25
• Refer: 7/16/25
• Refer: 8/18/25
• Report Pass: 8/29/25
• Enrolled: 9/10/25
• Chaptered: 10/1/25
• Passed: 10/1/25

Caption

California Massage Therapy Council.

Impact

The amendments establish stricter guidelines for the council, including a cap on salaries for employees and alterations to the certification process. Specifically, it changes the mandatory nature of some investigative actions to an authorization, meaning the council may choose whether to investigate claims regarding an applicant's education. These changes are predicted to streamline the certification process while maintaining standards for professional practice in the massage therapy field.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 1504, introduced by Berman, seeks to amend sections of the Business and Professions Code and the Education Code relevant to the practice of massage therapy in California. The bill modifies the structure and operation of the California Massage Therapy Council, which oversees the certification and regulation of massage professionals. Notably, it removes a member appointment by the office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges and adjusts appointment authority for other council members, emphasizing the representation of approved massage schools.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding AB 1504 seems to be supportive from industry stakeholders who seek clearer regulations and guidelines. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the council's autonomy and the reduced oversight of educational integrity due to the shifts in investigation requirements. Supporters see these changes as a way to enhance local control and efficiency, while skeptics worry about potential declines in professional standards.

Contention

A notable point of contention in the passage of AB 1504 stems from the implications it carries for local governance. The bill asserts that state and local regulations should align with the recognition of certified massage professionals as health care providers. However, critics fear that this overarching control might overshadow local needs and unique community considerations in regulating massage therapy practices. Furthermore, it outlines changes to disciplinary actions, specifying conditions under which the council may act based on an applicant's or certificate holder's criminal history, which has drawn varied opinions.