The original intent of Sen. Mark Montigny's "Bodyworks Bill" is admirable. It hopes to close loopholes and help combat human sex trafficking and prostitution.

Here's the rub, though; what's meant to crack down on the sex industry could more likely hurt other innocent businesses.

It got a little heated, alright. Some who attended the State House hearing on the legislation could've used some Reiki and a massage. The reason emotions were high comes down to many legitimate healing businesses would be forced out of business the way the bill is set up. The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee listened to both sides of the issue.

As it stands, there are only four state inspectors to oversee over 2,000 massage and spa businesses. Montigny's bill adds even more inspections to a quartet that is already overworked. Also, the way the bill reads now, Montigny's bill could nullify local regulations in some communities and give full regulatory control over to the state, with its four inspectors.

Can you start to see the light here? Passing the bill would create more problems, so time to apply the brakes to this piece of legislation.

A new and improved version needs to be created, and while we're at it, how about hiring and training a lot more state inspectors?

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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