Strategic Advocacy: Advancing the Massage Therapy Profession

AMTA remains deeply committed to advancing the massage therapy profession through strategic legislative and regulatory efforts at the state level. Our work focuses on promoting high professional standards, protecting public safety, and expanding access to massage therapy across the nation. Below are key highlights from our advocacy initiatives during the 2024–2025 legislative season.

Expanding Licensure and Upholding Professional Standards

Kansas: Our Kansas Chapter and the Government Relations team have continued to make meaningful progress toward achieving licensure for all massage therapists in Kansas. We were hopeful that SB 253 would be granted a hearing; however, the bill ultimately stalled despite strong support from both legislators and key stakeholders. AMTA remains committed to advancing licensure in Kansas during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Minnesota: SF 1131 and HF 362 were introduced to create a licensure framework for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapy in Minnesota. Despite strong grassroots support, both bills have seen no movement since March, 20, 2025. AMTA continues to advocate for licensure in Minnesota and is hopeful for the 2026 Legislative Session.

Oklahoma: On May 14, Governor Stitt vetoed HB 1030, a bill that would have extended the sunset date for the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering —potentially disrupting licensure for massage therapists statewide. In response, AMTA’s lobbyists worked swiftly with the Governor’s office and legislators to amend an existing bill, SB 676, successfully securing a one-year extension for the board. This critical measure, signed into law on May 29, ensures continued oversight and licensing standards for the massage profession in Oklahoma. 

Strengthening Existing Licensure Systems

Utah: HB 278 was introduced to amend previous legislation that created an additional tier of licensing for Massage Assistants. The original bill language proposed the additional option for a "Registered Massage Practitioner" that would allow for unlicensed and unregulated practice. It also replaced the term “licensed” with “credentialed”, and introduced a new tier for “clinical massage therapy,” that could have imposed unnecessary restrictions on massage therapists specializing in pain management. 

AMTA advocated for the removal of these measures to ensure public protection and to maintain the standards of the massage therapy profession. Thanks to AMTA’s efforts, the restrictive “clinical massage” language was successfully removed, and the bill was officially enacted on March 25, 2025 —safeguarding job mobility for massage therapists and the quality of care for clients. 

Alabama: As you may recall, the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy was sunset in 2024 and temporarily reestablished under the Board of Nursing. SB 253 was introduced primarily as a language clean-up bill. It clarifies provisions related to emergency orders, temporary permits, licensing qualifications, application requirements, outcall massage therapy services, and inspections of massage establishments. The bill was enacted on May 14, 2025 with the intent to permit the Nursing Board certain regulatory authority over the massage therapy profession through 2026. 

Arizona: SB 1656 has been amended to include a board continuation study group—with AMTA participation—and provides for a two-year extension. The bill is still under consideration and is expected to reconvene in June.

Promoting Non-Opioid Pain Management in Healthcare

Washington: SB 5507, an act which would provide coverage for massage therapy under medical assistance plans, received a public hearing on February 14. However, it did not advance out of the Senate Health Care Committee due to a significant budget deficit and concerns regarding the potential cost of implementing the bill. The bill will remain active for consideration in the 2026 Legislative Session.

New Hampshire: HB 241 would require insurance coverage for certain pain management therapies prescribed as alternatives to opioids, including massage therapy. The bill has been retained in the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs and will remain active in the 2026 Legislative Session.

Minnesota: HF 1806 addresses health insurance coverage, requiring health plans to include non-opioid and non-pharmacological pain management treatment options such as massage therapy. While the bill has not progressed this session, it will remain active for consideration in the 2026 Legislative Session.

New York: S 4612, an act to amend the workers' compensation law, includes provisions for coverage of treatment provided by massage therapists. The bill has passed out of the Senate and is currently being considered in the House.

Elevating Education Standards

Virginia and Georgia: Both states introduced legislation—VA HB 2612 and GA SB 221—to increase the required education hours for massage therapists from 500 to 625. As of February 4, 2025, HB 2612 has been left in the General Laws Committee, and as of March 3, 2025, SB 221 remains on its second reading.

Arkansas: SB 168 proposed introducing a state licensing exam and eliminating the requirement for national certification, citing high national certification fees as a barrier for massage therapists in the state. The bill included an emergency clause but ultimately died in committee. 

Montana: HB 336 was enacted and signed into law on May 1, 2025. This legislation establishes an apprenticeship pathway under the state’s Professional Licensing Boards—including the Massage Therapy Board—for individuals who complete a nationally recognized apprenticeship program.

Enhancing Establishment Oversight and Compliance

Delaware: HB 136 is intended to increase the penalty for those practicing massage therapy without a license or massage technician certification. The act of illegal practice is now classified as a Class A misdemeanor that can result in imprisonment or an additional fine. If the establishment has not obtained a license, is suspended, or operating with an expired license, they must display a placard indicating their status. Unauthorized removal of this placard is also considered a Class A misdemeanor and may lead to imprisonment and/or fines. 

Oregon:  HB 3819 allows the Board of Massage Therapy to post warning signs on massage facilities that violate board laws or regulations. It also increases fines and imposes stricter penalties for crimes committed in or near massage establishments. In addition, the Board is seeking the authority to place placards on the exterior of businesses found to be in violation of the rules. 

Missouri: HB 58 grants the Massage Therapy and Chiropractor Boards the authority to suspend a license prior to trial if the licensee is charged with a profession-related crime and is deemed an immediate threat to public safety. The last read took place on April 9, 2025.

Combating Human Trafficking through Targeted Legislation

The 2024–2025 legislative session has seen a notable increase in discussions and proposals aimed at addressing human trafficking, particularly as it relates to massage therapy establishments. AMTA continues to advocate for fair and accurate representation of the massage therapy profession and for policies that protect both practitioners and the public without perpetuating harmful stereotypes. 

Indiana: HB 1416 requires massage establishments to display human trafficking awareness posters in two designated locations. These requirements apply to health care practitioners’ offices, public lodging establishments, and private residences where a massage therapist is employed to provide massage services. The bill was enacted on May 5, 2025.

Hawaii: HB 1485 refers to certain businesses using the terminology “Massage Parlors and Similar Prostitution Establishments.” The bill allows for criminal charges to be filed if sexual exploitation is discovered at such establishments. It also seeks to treat trafficked individuals as victims, providing them with access to support resources. If compelling evidence of trafficking is found—or if there is inaction in response to a claim—the property owner and manager may each face fines of $100,000, in addition to other penalties.

Fostering Massage Practice Mobility Across States

As massage therapy continues to gain recognition as a healthcare profession, new legislation has been introduced to enhance practitioner mobility.

In Arkansas, HB 1224 seeks to expand automatic occupational licensure for out-of-state massage therapists. Similarly, in North Carolina, HB 763 was introduced to recognize licensure from neighboring states for practitioners who choose to reside  in North Carolina. AMTA is actively monitoring both bills, which aim to improve licensure portability and access for massage therapy professionals.  

Advocating for Fair Practice Fees for Massage Therapists

Vermont: H 472 proposes increasing mandatory registration fees for massage professionals from $90 to $275. AMTA recognizes the financial strain this would place on individuals in the massage therapy profession and has provided testimony in opposition to the steep fee hike. AMTA remains committed to advocating for equitable licensure policies that support affordability and access for all massage therapists.  

Illinois: HB 1417 aims to cap initial licensing fees for massage therapist at $100, with annual renewal fees not to exceed $50 and a maximum total cap at double the original licensing fee. As of March 21, 2025, this bill has been re-referred to committee for further consideration.

CAMTC Sunset Review Update

AMTA, in collaboration with our dedicated volunteers, national staff, and professional lobbyist, recently participated in the California State Legislature’s Sunset Review hearing on Assembly Bill 1504 in Sacramento. During this important legislative session, we provided testimony, engaged directly with lawmakers, and advocated for the interests and integrity of the massage therapy profession.

While AMTA continues to champion the pursuit of statewide licensure in California, the current legislation proposes an extension of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) for an additional four years. We are encouraged by the progress made toward enhanced transparency and accountability within CAMTC, and we remain optimistic about the continued evolution of regulatory oversight in the state.

AMTA will remain actively involved throughout this legislative process and is committed to promoting high standards that elevate the profession while protecting both massage practitioners and the public.

Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) Legislative Activity

Legislation to join the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) is currently under consideration in several states, including Georgia (HB 232), North Carolina (HB 693), Alabama (SB 37), Illinois (SB 1756), New York (A 4444), and Connecticut (SB 1063). At this time, Nevada, Arkansas, Montana, Ohio, and Virginia have enacted laws to join the compact.

AMTA continues to monitor the development of IMpact and the status of related legislation in order to assess potential implications for the massage therapy profession. Learn more about AMTA's position on the Interstate Massage Compact.
 
We remain committed to keeping the massage therapy community informed about updates to current legislation as well as any new legislative developments. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Government Relations Team with any questions. As always, we support you and our entire massage therapy community!