Senate committee reviews plan for registering massage-therapy establishments and narrows public complaint disclosures

The Vermont Senate Committee on Government Operations on April 29 reviewed draft language directing the Office of Professional Regulation to submit proposed legislation by Nov. 15, 2025, on regulation of massage therapy establishments and discussed narrowing what the state publishes in its complaint registry.

The language under consideration would require the Office of Professional Regulation, in consultation with stakeholders including the Vermont chapter of the American Association of Massage Therapists, the Vermont Network Against Domestic and [transcript redaction], the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs and other Vermont law‑enforcement agencies, to submit proposed legislation to the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs and the Senate Committee on Government Operations on or before Nov. 15, 2025. The draft bill text says that the proposed regulation “may include licensure of massage therapy establishments.”

Lauren Hibbert, deputy secretary of state, told the committee the office does not favor qualification‑based licensure of establishments but is open to creating a mandatory registration system. “We are not interested in licensing, meaning qualification based licensure for massage establishments, but we are interested in creating a registration for massage establishments,” Hibbert said.

Committee members also reviewed changes to how complaint information is published. Jennifer Cohen of the Office of Professional Regulation explained the proposed register would list the date and nature of complaints without identifying the licensee or complainant in most entries; the register would show names and public addresses only for complaints that result in formal discipline or stipulations. Cohen said that the office will not publish respondent or complainant identities unless a case is adjudicated and the licensee is found to have committed unprofessional conduct. “If it's adjudicated and they are found to committed unprofessional conduct, then…we have been required to disclose both the respondent and the complainant,” Hibbert said while explaining the change.

Senators on the committee voiced support for narrowing public disclosure to avoid chilling potential complainants. Senator White said the change addressed concerns raised during prior testimony about complainants’ privacy.

The committee did not take a final vote on the bill text on April 29. Chair Kollawar noted a procedural complication: one member, Senator Hart, was absent for surgery and the committee may wait until he can appear visually to record a yes or no before moving to a formal vote. The committee indicated it may revisit the bill later in the week if no last‑minute changes emerge.

Proponents and OPR staff said the next steps include continued stakeholder consultation and rulemaking work if the Legislature adopts enabling language. The committee indicated it would consider a separate, more detailed proposal next year for licensing or registering establishments if needed.