Ongoing WSMTA Advocacy Efforts

Over the past week, the Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA) has continued active advocacy efforts regarding the proposed Federal Way massage business ordinance.

WSMTA supports strong enforcement against illicit businesses operating under the guise of massage therapy. However, local massage therapists and WSMTA continue to oppose three proposed regulations within the ordinance:

• Prohibiting locked entrance doors during business hours
• Prohibiting internal warning systems*
• Prohibiting cash transactions

* Note: WSMTA and other interested parties are only concerned about door chimes being prohibited.  In the June 9 Committee meeting, the city stated door chimes were not included in this prohibition, however this exclusion has yet to be included in writing in the ordinance's definition of "internal warning systems".

WSMTA believes these regulations create significant safety and operational concerns for lawful massage therapists and their clients.

Communication with Federal Way Officials

Throughout the week, WSMTA communicated with Federal Way officials, submitted written comments, and provided public testimony during the city committee meeting reviewing the ordinance on June 9th, 2026.

During discussions and public statements, city representatives indicated that law enforcement would primarily focus enforcement efforts on illicit businesses rather than lawful massage therapists.

WSMTA raised concerns that lawful massage therapists may effectively be placed in a position where they feel compelled to violate city regulations in order to maintain safety for themselves and their clients.

Comparison to Other Washington Cities

WSMTA informed the Council that these three regulations are uncommon in Washington massage ordinances.

To WSMTA’s knowledge, Renton is the only city in Washington with a prohibition on locked doors during business hours, and WSMTA could find no other Washington cities that prohibit warning systems or cash transactions in massage businesses.

After reviewing the municipal codes for 20 different cities who either previously enacted massage business ordinances or had language requiring a state issued massage license to practice massage in their city, WSMTA has found no other instances of cities mentioning any of these three regulations. 

WSMTA highlighted Kent as an example of a city that has successfully reduced and kept out illicit businesses without these 3 requirements.

WSMTA’s Compromise Proposal

Recognizing the City’s desire to maintain enforcement tools against illicit businesses, WSMTA offered compromise solutions, including:

• Exemptions for solo practitioners,
• Exemptions or alternative compliance pathways for lawful clinics,
• A one-year sunset review of the regulations.

WSMTA also requested the City to indicate in the definitions section of the massage business ordinance that door alarms are excluded items of “internal warning systems”.  If the City does this, then it eliminates one of the 3 regulations as an issue from the ordinance.

Additional Ordinance Recommendations

WSMTA submitted additional recommendations intended to strengthen enforcement against illicit businesses while minimizing unnecessary impact on lawful massage therapists.  There has yet to be comment about them.

June 16 Federal Way City Council Meeting

The ordinance is currently scheduled for a first reading before the Federal Way City Council on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

WSMTA encourages massage therapists and supporters to:

• Attend the June 16 council meeting,
• Submit respectful written comments to the Council,
• Participate in public comment,
• Continue educating others about the distinction between lawful massage therapy businesses and illicit businesses operating under the guise of massage.

The next posting has additional details on supporting Federal Way.  Public participation remains critically important as this ordinance moves forward.

Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA)
Government Relations Program