ATLANTA (Feb. 4, 2010) – A proposed law designed to help law enforcement officials stop suspected illegal activities at advertised massage parlors was introduced today at the State Capitol. State Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon) authored this legislation to give local police and prosecutors additional resources and provide for more severe penalties by clearing up several loopholes in Georgia law to allow more local control and regulation in addition to current state laws.
“After research and consultation with local governments and law enforcement, I am pleased to bring a common-sense piece of legislation to my colleagues in the Senate,” said Staton. “This bill will clean up several gaps in our law that allow illegal activity to take place under the guise of a massage therapy parlor and will increase penalties for doing so. This bill will give the local governments the ability to make sure massage therapy services in their area are licensed and engaged in ethical business operations.”
Staton’s bill (Senate Bill 364) would amend Georgia law by declaring it a violation for any person or business to advertise massage therapy services without holding a valid license. It would also forbid businesses to promote massage therapy services combined with an escort or dating services and adult entertainment. The bill would also increase the penalties for violating these laws, with the third offense bringing a felony charge with the possibility of up to 5 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine.
The proposed legislation would allow local governments to become more involved with the regulation of massage therapy services in their area. Staton noted that he has been working with local government and law enforcement officials in his district and in other parts of the state on this legislation. They believe it will be a valuable tool to help them crack down on these types of violations in their communities which this bill would address.
“Local officials need to have all the resources they can have to improve and strengthen their communities. My bill will give local cities and counties the ability to administer the law in the most effective way possible that best suits the needs of their citizens,” said Staton.
If passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Sonny Perdue, SB 364 would go into effect either July 1 or immediately following the governor’s signature.
Sen. Cecil Staton serves as Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes portions of Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones and Monroe counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.5039 or via e-mail at cecil.staton@senate.state.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028