Worried about human trafficking, a House panel Tuesday approved a bill that would try to curb shady massage establishments.
The measure (HB 7005) includes steps such as barring the establishments from operating between midnight and 5 a.m., though it has exceptions for massage services provided at places such as health-care facilities and hotels.
Also, the bill would seek to prevent advertising aimed at drawing clients for sexual activity.
Sponsor Dave Kerner, D-Lake Worth, said the bill would give an additional tool to law enforcement officials as they try to combat human trafficking that involves massage establishments.
Groups such as the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida State Massage Therapy Association supported the bill, which was approved unanimously by the House Health Quality Subcommittee.
