AMTA Clarifies Position on California Assembly Bill 1703

September 8, 2026

AMTA is responding to recent communications about California Assembly Bill 1703 (AB 1703) that incorrectly describe our position and involvement with the legislation.

On September 1, 2026, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), through its Director of Government Affairs, Beverly May, distributed an email stating that AMTA told the California legislature on August 5 that "the bill as currently written is sufficient" and "there is no need to further clarify the definition of massage therapy."

This characterization is incomplete and misleading.

From the beginning, AMTA has consistently maintained the following position:

AB 1703 should not interfere with lawful massage therapy practice, and any uncertainty in the bill should be addressed through clarifying language that protects all massage therapists who are lawfully practicing in California.

CAMTC's communication omitted critical context and failed to acknowledge AMTA's efforts to secure language protecting all legally practicing massage therapists in California, not just those who hold CAMTC certification.

AMTA's Work on AB 1703

AMTA has actively participated in multiple conversations and email exchanges with the bill sponsor, the author's office, legislative staff, the committee consultant, and all stakeholder lobbyists. At no point did AMTA submit a formal position stating that no clarification was needed.

Key Events


July 29, 2026
  • AMTA spoke directly with the office of Assembly Member Gregg Hart, the bill's sponsor.

  • The sponsor explained that the language regarding Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) was intended to reflect existing law but acknowledged that it could be interpreted as vague.

  • During this discussion, AMTA learned that CAMTC had proposed language that would specifically protect massage services provided by CAMTC-certified individuals.

AMTA's Concerns

  • California does not have a statewide statutory scope of practice for massage therapists.

  • CAMTC certification is voluntary and is not required for all legally practicing massage therapists in California.

  • AMTA was concerned that protecting only CAMTC-certified individuals could unintentionally create a legal distinction between certified and non-certified massage therapists who are lawfully practicing.
July 30, 2026
  • AMTA continued discussions with the sponsor and worked to find a solution that would protect all massage therapists while avoiding potential unnecessary restrictions.
August 3, 2026
  • AMTA informed the sponsor that it would seek an independent review from the committee consultant.
August 4, 2026
  • The committee consultant confirmed AMTA's concern that protecting only CAMTC-certified therapists could be problematic because California lacks a defined statewide scope of practice for massage therapy.

  • The consultant discussed the issue with the sponsor and author.

  • As a result, all parties, including CAMTC, agreed that broader language would be more appropriate.
The CAMTC-specific language was then removed and replaced with language that protects massage therapy services authorized under California law.

The final language agreed to by both AMTA and CAMTC states:

"Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit the practice of a California healthcare licensed profession or massage services authorized by California law."

In addition, the sponsor agreed to delay implementation of the bill until January 1, 2028.

AMTA's Consistent Effort to Protect All Massage Therapists


CAMTC's recent communication presents AMTA's August 5 statement without the broader context of the discussions that led to the final bill language. On that same day, AMTA informed its members that it did not believe AB 1703 would adversely affect qualified massage therapists practicing lawfully in California. In addition, we explained that we had proposed clarifying language to ensure the bill would not create unintended consequences for massage therapists.

AMTA's position remained consistent throughout the legislative process. Our focus was protecting all massage therapists lawfully practicing in California, not only those who hold a voluntary CAMTC certification. Because California does not have a statewide massage therapy license or statutory scope of practice, we could not support language that might create different legal protections based solely on certification status. Instead, we worked with legislators and staff to secure broader language protecting massage services authorized under California law while preserving the distinction between massage therapy and OMT.

AMTA's Request for Correction

We expect organizations communicating with the massage therapy profession to provide clear and accurate information about legislative issues. CAMTC’s description of our August 5 communication does not provide the full context, correctly reflect AMTA’s position, or recognize our efforts to protect all massage therapists legally practicing in California.

We respectfully ask CAMTC to revise and resend its communication to accurately reflect that AMTA did seek clarifying language in AB 1703.

AMTA remains committed to constructive legislative engagement, fact-based dialogue, and advancing policies that support and protect the massage therapy profession. Throughout this process, our focus has been on ensuring that every massage therapist lawfully practicing in California is treated fairly and afforded equal protection under the law, regardless of certification status. 

We are proud to advocate for the entire profession and will continue working to preserve opportunities for massage therapists to serve their clients, communities, and the health and well-being of Californians.

As always, please reach out to our Government Relations Team with any questions.

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