Kansas Massage Licensure Efforts Make Progress, Build Momentum for 2027

The Kansas legislature recently adjourned on April 11. Although Senate Bill 253 (SB 253) did not move forward, we made meaningful progress on statewide licensure that positions us well for the 2027 legislative session.

Kansas Advocacy Day Makes Impact

AMTA-KS hosted an Advocacy Day in January that had a strong and positive impact on the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare. The event was well received, and SB 253 was included among the bills the Committee Chair intended to hear—clear evidence that our collective efforts are moving us in the right direction.

A few outside factors limited our progress this legislative session:

• The session was shortened because many lawmakers are running for statewide offices and cannot fundraise during this period.
  
  
• At the legislative “turnaround,” the House Health Committee sent 46 bills to the Senate Health Committee—an unusually high volume. As a result, the Senate Committee Chair indicated there was not enough time to hold a hearing on SB 253.

Your Voices Made a Difference

Despite these challenges, the dedication and advocacy of Kansas massage therapists made a real difference this year. Your voices helped elevate the conversation around licensure and build valuable relationships with lawmakers.

Despite anticipated changes in legislative leadership following the November elections, we remain optimistic and energized about continuing this important work. Thank you for your ongoing commitment as we make progress toward statewide licensure in Kansas, together!