House committee backs limits on late‑night massage businesses amid trafficking concerns

The House Regulated Industries Committee approved a committee substitute for House Bill 892 that would prohibit operation of certain massage establishments between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Representative Holcomb, the bill's sponsor, said the measure targets outfits that operate 24 hours and are suspected hubs for prostitution and trafficking.

Holcomb told the committee the change is meant to "go after the profit aspect" of trafficking and that legitimate massage therapists would remain able to serve patients during standard business hours. Committee members pressed for carve-outs for licensed medical masseuses, appointment‑only services, hotel spas and emergency therapeutic care. The committee's legal adviser confirmed Georgia currently has a single classification of licensed massage therapist and offered to help draft language to distinguish medically certified practitioners if the committee provided policy guidance.

Opponents and questioners raised scenarios including hotel guests and after‑hours therapeutic needs. Multiple members said they could not imagine legitimate demand at 1 a.m., but some suggested limited exceptions for medical necessity or hotels should be drafted. After debate the committee approved amendments to the bill's effective date and passed the substitute by voice vote.

The transcript shows extended questioning on drafting details and suggested cooperation with legislative counsel to define exemptions; no final statutory carve-outs were recorded in committee. Vote tallies were recorded as voice votes; no roll-call names or numeric tallies were included in the transcript.