January 26, 2016 www.broadcasteronline.com LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP Careful Where Therapists Step At The Massage Parlor By Bob Mercer State Capitol Bureau PIERRE – Licensed massage therapists in South Dakota would be allowed to use their feet to deliver treatment in addition to their hands under a proposal supported by a legislative panel Thursday. The state House Health and Human Services Committee voted 12-0 to endorse a package of proposed treatment and licensing changes sought by the Daugaard administration and the state Board of Massage Therapy. The full House of Representatives could consider HB 1027 Monday afternoon. The legislation would add several requirements. Under one proposed change, license holders providing massage therapy outside of their regular places of business would need upon request to produce photo identification and proof of licensure. Another proposed change would prohibit knowingly hiring unlicensed people to provide massage therapy. “Massage therapy is a very dignified profession,” Rep. Lana Greenfield, R-Doland, said. NEXT STEP: Rep. Fred Deutsch, R-Florence, said he is concerned that state laws regarding massage therapy don’t go far enough in protecting the public. He said the profession needs standards. Rep. Jacqueline Sly, R-Rapid City, said the massage therapy board could address Deutsch’s concerns through rule making. Rep. Steve McCleerey, D-Sisseton, said the local hospital is looking at adding massage therapy. He said he knows his therapist keeps records and the hospital setting would cause records to be kept. HIDDEN GUNS: The Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed allowing state Department of Corrections employees to be exempt from needing a concealed-pistol permit if they carry hidden revolvers or pistols while on the job. The department asked for the change. SB 30 now goes to the full Senate for consideration. “This will make things a lot more practical,” Sen. Jeff Monroe, R-Pierre, said. “I think it will make officers safer. It should have been a long time ago.” Remarked Sen. Art Rusch, R-Vermillion, a retired circuit judge: “I think this is approving what correctional officers have been doing for a long time. The statutes are kind of contradictory right now.” TIMES CHANGE: The state Revenue Department wants to dump its decal system for licensing amusement devices and collect state and local sales tax instead. The House Taxation Committee supported the change 11-3 Thursday. The full House of Representatives could consider HB 1053 as early as Monday afternoon. The registration fee has been $12 annually. Jason Evans, a Revenue Department official, acknowledged there could be amusement devices such as pinball machines and pool tables that are in businesses but don’t have their stickers. “We think this is an efficiency and streamlining measure,” said Yvonne Taylor, executive director for the South Dakota Municipal League that represents cities. The decal system has been in place since 1985. Bob Riter, a Pierre lawyer representing the Music and Vending Association of South Dakota, questioned why the system must be changed. He said his father, Bob Riter Sr., represented the MVA in 1985 and worked with then-Revenue Secretary R. Van Johnson and then-Municipal League executive director Bob Miller to develop the decal system. Rep. Al Novstrup, R-Aberdeen, agreed with Riter the new approach would be a new tax. “But it’s eliminating an old tax. That’s a breakeven,” Novstrup said. Novstrup said he’d vote for it because it is “a paper reduction.” Broadcaster Press 13 Free, One-On-One Tech Assistance At Your Public Library Need technical assistance? We can help! Our Technical Assistant, or other staff, are on hand to guide you through your most pressing technology challenges every Monday from 6:30-8 pm and every Friday from 10:30 am to 12 pm. We’re here to assist in a variety of topics - everything from e-book downloads to basic software, email, and device use. There is no cost for this service, but we do encourage appointments. Call us at 677-7060 or stop by our Circulation Desk to make an appointment. The Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library is located at 18 Church Street in Vermillion. For more information call the Library at 605-677-7060. Have a Great Day