SPRINGFIELD – In order to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence in the massage therapist industry, State Senator Celina Villanueva’s House Bill 2756 was signed into law by the governor.

“It is extremely imperative that licensed massage therapists are required to have additional adequate training and education needed to perform their jobs in a respectful, non-harmful manner,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Without it, individuals can easily find themselves in a domestic violence and or sexual assault situation ruining their careers forever.”

The new law amends the Massage Licensing Act. For each license renewal period, one hour of continuing education needs to be domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education as prescribed by rule of the Department. A continuing education provider approved by IDFPR will provide the one-hour domestic violence and sexual assault awareness continuing education course.

The measure makes it mandatory for licensed massage therapists to take 25, rather than 24, hours of continuing education courses to renew their massage license. The additional hour must include domestic violence and sexual assault awareness.

“As we take sexual assault and domestic violence seriously in the state of Illinois, I am glad we are able to continue educating individuals about the importance of these topics and train those whose profession can easily be compromised if ever found in a situation related to domestic and sexual assault,” Villanueva added.

House Bill 2756 was signed into law Friday.