House Bill 16-1320 Summary

• Requires all massage therapy license applicants to be at least 18 years old, submit to criminal background checks, and document their age at time of licensure.

• Denies licenses to applicants convicted of or pleading guilty to unlawful sexual behavior, prostitution-related offenses, or human trafficking offenses, whether committed in Colorado or elsewhere.

• Adds grounds for license denial and discipline if applicant is not competent, trustworthy, or of good moral character, including exposure of intimate body parts or masturbation in presence of clients.

• Allows director to remove exemptions from licensing for alternative practices (reflexology, reiki, etc.) if there is a continued pattern of criminal behavior disguised as legitimate exemption.

• Establishes criminal penalties for knowingly aiding or abetting unlicensed massage therapy practice and authorizes fines up to $5,000 per violation with each day of continuing violation counted separately.