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Utah Commerce Department begins implementing HB 278 to target illicit massage businesses
Summary
State commerce officials and Salt Lake law enforcement announced steps to implement HB 278, creating a statewide massage-establishment registration, owner background checks and inspection authority aimed at shutting down owners of illicit massage businesses linked to trafficking.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Department of Commerce officials and Salt Lake law enforcement on Thursday outlined how they will implement HB 278, a 2025 law that creates a statewide registration for massage establishments, requires criminal-history checks for owners and key managers, and grants inspectors stronger authority to shut down operations suspected of facilitating sexual exploitation or human trafficking.
Department of Commerce staff said the law shifts enforcement focus from individual workers to the owners and operators who profit. "This is your warning. Get out of town. Get out of our state," an official identified in the transcript as Margaret said at the briefing, describing the state’s intent to pursue owners of illicit operations. Salt Lake Police Chief Brian Redd said the new administrative tools will complement criminal investigations and urged victims to come forward so victim advocates and law enforcement can help.
Why it matters: Officials…
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