Connecticut House passes illegal massage bill

Hartford (AP) — A bill that would crack down on illegal massage parlors in Connecticut has passed in the state's House of Representatives.

State representatives voted 144-to-0 in favor of the proposed legislation Wednesday; one day after the measure cleared its second round of committee votes.

It now awaits further action in the state Senate.

The legislation adds shiatsu, acupressure and Thai massage, among others, to the list of services that cannot be advertised without a license to perform massage therapy. It also makes it a misdemeanor for someone to knowingly employ an unlicensed person to perform massage.

Lawmakers amended the bill with minor technical changes before the House vote.

The bill requires the state Department of Public Health to investigate accusations of illegal massage parlors within 30 days of receiving the complaint.