Massage Parlor Bill Passes In Howard County

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Police in Howard County may now investigate massage parlors suspected of operating illegitimately, after the county executive signed a bill Friday bestowing that authority on local law enforcement. Previously, massage parlor complaints were under the jurisdiction of the state.

"We know there are businesses in our communities that claim to be legitimate, but are actually victimizing women," Howard County Police Chief Gary L. Gardner said in a statement. "Today, we are warning those businesses that this will not be tolerated in Howard County. Expect a visit from police and know that if you are conducting illegal activities, we will shut you down.”

In the past, officials said a state licensing inspector was required if police wanted to check on an establishment even if there were obvious sex ads posted online or multiple complaints about a business.

“This law will serve as another tool in our fight against human trafficking,” County Executive Allan Kittleman said upon signing the legislation Friday. “It is the result of a commitment by local lawmakers and Howard County’s General Assembly Delegation to put a stop to this type of victimization."

Kittleman and Council Chairperson Jon Weinstein co-sponsored the Howard County bill, which follows legislation passed through the Maryland General Assembly in 2016.

The Samaritan Women, HoCo AGAST (Advocacy Group Against Slavery and Trafficking) and Grace 4 Freedom were among the groups that Kittleman thanked for supporting the effort.