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UPDATE: Shelbyville Massage Therapy Ordinance

Monday night, the Shelbyville Common Council voted 7–0 to approve the first reading of the proposed massage therapy ordinance.

The ordinance is expected to return to City Council on October 5 for its second reading and final vote, so this process is not over yet.

Before the vote, I spoke and thanked the ordinance committee for their willingness to meet with local massage therapists, listen to our concerns, and work with us. The ordinance that ultimately reached Council looks very different from where this process began, and I am genuinely grateful for that.

But I also asked the Council to consider the bigger picture.

Massage therapy is not the only legitimate profession that can be exploited as a cover for illegal activity. My concern is that creating an ordinance specifically around our profession sets a precedent: what happens when the next illegal operation hides behind a different profession?

I again suggested looking at the problem more broadly through commercial-property standards and enforcement—something that could potentially address illegal businesses without singling out one state-licensed profession, while also addressing commercial properties throughout Shelbyville that have been allowed to sit vacant or deteriorate.

My comments were followed almost immediately by a 7–0 vote approving the ordinance on first reading.

So I decided there was one more thing that needed to become part of the public record.

I submitted the original draft of the massage ordinance that we were given and specifically requested that it be entered into the public record.

This draft came after the ordinance committee had already voted to send a proposed ordinance with a $2,000 permit fee to City Council. I previously requested a copy of that version and was told there wasn't one.

I am putting the draft I do have in the comments because I think the public should have the opportunity to see where this process began.

Read it.

And while you're reading it, replace “massage therapist” with your profession.

Imagine your city proposing these requirements for your business and your livelihood.

Then remember that public involvement matters.

Had local massage therapists not shown up, asked questions, challenged provisions, worked with the committee, contacted professional organizations, and continued attending meetings, the ordinance before Council today could have looked very different.

Regardless of how anyone feels about massage therapy or this particular ordinance, I hope this encourages people to pay attention to what is being proposed by local government before it becomes law—not afterward.

I’m linking the City Council meeting video so you can watch the discussion and comments for yourself, and I’ll put the original draft I submitted into the public record in the comments.

The second reading and final vote are expected at the October 5 City Council meeting.

https://youtu.be/YsmJMKw0HGo?is=PeDZ_caxVGmdQuZb

I promise, I’ve got you 😂 You don’t have to help.

Ordinance Committee nixes, redrafts massage therapy ordinance Reporter’s note: The committee was advised that the language “massage parlor” and “masseuse” are synonymous with s*x operations and instructed to use the terms “massage therapy practice” and “massage therapist”

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Update on the proposed massage ordinance:

I wanted to share a positive update with everyone who has been following this issue.

The local massage therapy community has been given the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Ordinance Committee and city officials as they continue developing the proposed ordinance. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have these conversations and for the willingness to hear input from licensed massage therapists who are directly affected.

We see this as a very positive step forward. Our shared goal is the same: protecting our community, addressing illegal businesses that exploit vulnerable people, and ensuring that legitimate, licensed massage therapists are not unintentionally impacted by regulations intended to combat criminal activity.

I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) for offering their support, guidance, and assistance throughout this process. Having the backing of a respected national organization is invaluable, and we truly appreciate their commitment to advocating for licensed massage therapists and supporting our profession.

To our amazing clients—thank you for your patience, understanding, and grace as many of us have had to make unexpected schedule adjustments to attend meetings, prepare information, and advocate for our profession. Your encouragement, flexibility, and support have meant more than you know. We are honored by the trust you place in us every day, and your support has allowed us to stay focused on finding the best path forward.

Finally, thank you to the city officials, committee members, and everyone who has reached out, listened, attended meetings, and engaged in respectful dialogue. We are optimistic that, by working together, we can create an ordinance that effectively targets illegal operations while protecting the legitimate businesses that serve our community with professionalism, ethics, and compassion.

Thank you all for your continued support. We look forward to continuing this collaborative effort and building a solution that benefits our entire community.

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***Update to clarify a few things, this is in Shelbyville Indiana, what is being considered is a one time fee and the meeting is Monday, July 20th at 6pm.***

***Please help show support for your legally licensed massage therapists by attending the meeting or writing to our city council members.***

Shelbyville Massage Therapists, Clients, and Community Members—I Need Your Support.
The Shelbyville City Council is considering an ordinance that would require massage therapists to purchase a $2,000 annual city permit just to continue practicing.

As a licensed massage therapist, I have serious concerns about this proposal.

Massage therapists in Indiana are already licensed and regulated by the State. We complete approved education, pass state requirements, maintain our licenses, keep treatment records, practice within our scope, recognize when clients should be referred to another healthcare provider, and follow strict professional and ethical standards. If we fail to meet those standards, we can face disciplinary action or lose our license.

So I have to ask...
Why are massage therapists being singled out?

I've been unable to find evidence that other state-licensed healthcare professionals—such as physicians, nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, or psychologists—are required to purchase a comparable city permit simply to practice. If they aren't, why are licensed massage therapists being treated differently?

Let me be clear: Licensed massage therapists want illegitimate businesses shut down more than anyone. They damage our profession, exploit vulnerable people, erode public trust, and put unsuspecting clients at risk.

If the City's goal is to eliminate unlawful businesses, I fully support that goal. I simply don't believe a $2,000 annual permit imposed on licensed therapists is the answer.

If someone is practicing massage without a state license, they are already breaking the law. A local permit requirement will not stop those who are already choosing to ignore existing laws. It only creates another financial burden for the professionals who are already complying with them.

As healthcare professionals, we are expected to stay educated and uphold professional standards throughout our careers. I believe our elected officials have the same responsibility to understand the professions they regulate before passing ordinances that impact local businesses, healthcare providers, and the community.

If this ordinance passes, I believe we'll likely see: • Increased costs for clients.
• Licensed massage therapists relocating to neighboring counties with more reasonable regulations.
• Fewer legitimate massage therapy options in Shelbyville.
• Little to no impact on those already operating illegally.

Don't mistake opposition to this permit for opposition to enforcement. I support strong enforcement against illegal businesses. I simply believe enforcement should target those breaking the law—not those already following it.

If you're a licensed massage therapist, another healthcare professional, a client, or simply someone who supports fair and effective government, I ask you to stand with us. Please attend the City Council meeting, speak if you're willing, or simply show your support.

A policy should be judged by whether it solves the problem it was created to address. I don't believe this proposal will stop illegitimate massage businesses—but I do believe it will hurt legitimate small business owners and the clients who depend on us.

I'll share the meeting date once it has been verified. Currently the only meeting set on the public calendar is for this Monday, June 20th at 6pm. This issue is not on the agenda, I do plan to attend and speak during the public comments portion of this meeting.

I will post the Indiana massage license lookup, and my previous post on how to identify a legitimate massage therapist in the comments.

Let's encourage our City Council to pursue solutions that target illegal activity—not the professionals who have already committed themselves to practicing legally, ethically, and safely.

Plenty of you came in yesterday for the free school book bags & we still have about 50 left to give out…All are welcome…Feel free to stop in from 12-7 Tuesday through Saturday and grab a school supply filled book bag of your choice until they’re all gone…All provided by the generosity from Indy Roof & Restoration..Once again, it’s okay if you bring in the kids to pick out the color they like…We will only tattoo on the ones that are being loud🤣