Senate Passes Thompson Bill that Targets Human Trafficking, Empowers Local Governments

OKLAHOMA CITY – In a decisive stand against human trafficking and illicit massage operations, the Oklahoma Senate has passed Senate Bill 644 by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, reaffirming the right of cities and counties to regulate where and how massage businesses operate.

The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in a 43 to 3 vote.

“This is about protecting our communities and cracking down on the exploitation happening behind the front doors of certain so-called ‘massage parlors,’” Thompson said. “Human trafficking is real. It’s happening in plain sight. And this bill gives cities and counties the legal tools they need to fight it head-on.”

Senate Bill 644 makes it clear that the Massage Therapy Practice Act does not prohibit municipalities or counties from adopting or enforcing local zoning or licensing ordinances for businesses that offer massage therapy. In other words: state regulation of therapists does not cancel out a city’s right to say where these businesses can open or how they must operate.

This clarification follows increasing concern from residents and local leaders about suspicious massage operations believed to be fronts for illegal activity, including trafficking.

“Let me be crystal clear: no one offering legitimate massage therapy services has anything to worry about,” Thompson said. “But those using massage as a cover to exploit women and children — this legislation is one more way we’re coming for you.”

Thompson called out the small number of senators who voted against the measure.

“Frankly, I don’t know how you vote against fighting human trafficking,” she said. “This bill is a straightforward, common-sense solution that puts power back in the hands of local communities. The only people who should fear this bill are the criminals hiding in the shadows.”

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Kristen Thompson at 405-521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov.