For years, Houston has struggled with illicit businesses posing as massage spas, often operating near homes and schools. KPRC 2′s Amy Davis explains a new law that is now making it easier for authorities to take action.
PREVIOUS: Are massage therapists able to practice in Harris County?
House Bill 3579, which passed during the last legislative session, took effect on September 1, 2023. The law empowers the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to issue an emergency closure order for any licensed massage business suspected of human trafficking.
The law was first used in June 2023 when an emergency closure order was issued for the Foot Reflexology Star on Spring Cypress in the Klein area. The business owner agreed to shut down that location, along with six others.
Elizabeth Hayes, a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s office, explains the significance of the new law.
“The new law allows TDLR and law enforcement agencies to act quickly. If there is reasonable cause to believe a business is connected to human trafficking, they can shut it down immediately with an emergency closure for six months. It’s an effective tool for communities who want these businesses out of their neighborhoods,” Hayes said.
However, not all operations remain closed. We found that at least two of the seven businesses initially shut down by TDLR have since reopened. TDLR says they can collaborate with the Attorney General’s office to impose further sanctions and pursue jail time for owners who violate the closures.
Residents urged to report suspicious massage businesses online
Residents concerned about suspicious massage businesses operating illegally can file a complaint with TDLR online. For more information and to submit a complaint, visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website. A link to the site is available on Click2Houston.com.
Watch the full episode of Ask Amy at 11 a.m. today for more details.