Strategic Advocacy in Action

AMTA continues to far and away lead advocacy efforts that strengthen and protect the massage therapy profession. By partnering with state chapters, volunteer leaders, and policymakers, we play an essential role in advancing key legislation across the country. During the 2025–2026 legislative sessions, we championed initiatives to expand licensure and regulatory oversight, improve practitioner mobility, support non-opioid pain management, broaden access to massage therapy, and strengthen the profession’s voice in public policy.

Read on to explore an in-depth overview of this season’s state legislative highlights.

Legislative Developments by State

Alabama

AMTA's successful lobbying efforts in the Alabama Legislature resulted in the enactment of SB 136 on March 3, 2026. The legislation extends the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board through October 1, 2027, transfers regulatory authority to the Department of Public Health, and renames the board as the Alabama Massage Therapy Advisory Council.

Additionally, the Revised Massage Compact legislation (SB 286) was introduced this session but did not receive a committee hearing.

Learn More About SB 136

California

AMTA continues to work with stakeholders to achieve a mandatory statewide licensing structure in the state.

Colorado

AMTA led the way in the enactment of HB 1257, which strengthens oversight of massage facilities and enhances public protection. The new law establishes additional requirements for massage facility ownership, including FBI-standard background checks, local licensing oversight, and compliance measures. It also requires prospective operators and owners to complete a background check at least 30 days before obtaining a license or acquiring an ownership interest in a massage facility and makes failure to meet that requirement grounds for disqualification.

Delaware

AMTA worked with legislators to update SB 218 with the Revised Compact language; the bill remains active for the next session.

Georgia

AMTA provided testimony in multiple hearings in the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries in supporting the amendment of the Original Massage Compact legislation with the Revised Compact language. The committee ultimately substituted the Compact bill with HB 232, which proposed increasing entry-level education requirements for massage therapists from 500 to 600 hours. The bill, which passed out of committee, but later stalled and died, reflects continued discussion around elevating professional standards in the state.

Iowa

AMTA actively advocated for SF 2205, which would establish a statewide licensing framework for massage therapy establishments, strengthening oversight and enhancing public protection. The bill would require establishment owners to obtain and renew licenses, complete fingerprint-based criminal background checks, comply with sanitation, recordkeeping, and safety standards, and authorize enforcement measures for noncompliance. Although SF 2205 passed the Senate, it did not advance in the House. We will continue advocating for the legislation and monitoring opportunities for progress in 2027.

Kansas

The AMTA Kansas Chapter and the Government Relations Team continued to make meaningful progress toward establishing licensure for all massage therapists in Kansas. However, after the House Health Committee sent 46 bills to the Senate Health Committee, SB 253 was unable to secure a hearing before the legislature adjourned in April. Because the bill has reached the end of its two-year legislative cycle, AMTA will introduce new licensure legislation in 2027 and remains committed to achieving statewide licensure for massage therapists in Kansas.

Learn More About SB 253

Kentucky

SB 190, which would establish health coverage requirements that include chronic pain management options, such as massage therapy, in coverage plans, was introduced in Kentucky. The bill would also require practitioners to discuss alternative pain management options with patients before prescribing certain Schedule II and III drugs. Although SB 190 did not advance, AMTA will continue monitoring for future opportunities. Additionally, the Original Massage Compact legislation (HB 181) saw little movement in the legislature, and efforts to amend the bill with Revised Massage Compact language were unsuccessful.

Maryland

AMTA successfully advocated for the enactment of SB 492 by providing testimony in the Maryland Legislature. Signed by the Governor on April 28, 2026, and effective July 1, 2026, the law strengthens regulatory oversight of massage therapy advertising to help prevent the misuse of suggestive language, distinguish legitimate massage professionals from illicit businesses, and reinforce public trust in the profession.

AMTA also supported the passage of SB 418, which establishes licensure portability for members of the U.S. Foreign Service and their spouses. The new law allows eligible professionals to practice in Maryland under an out-of-state occupational or professional license during a Foreign Service assignment, reflecting AMTA's ongoing commitment to expanding professional mobility.

Learn More About SB 492

Michigan

AMTA continues to advocate for the Revised Massage Compact (HB 5948) in Michigan. Introduced in May, HB 5948 was referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform and remains active in the state's year-round legislative session.

AMTA is also supporting HB 5946, a bill introduced in May that would require continuing education for massage therapy license renewal, including board-approved training on identifying victims of human trafficking. The bill, which would help elevate professional standards and increase public protection in Michigan, is awaiting a committee hearing.

Minnesota

AMTA led the advocacy efforts to establish statewide regulation for massage therapy and Asian bodywork therapy in Minnesota through SF 1131 and HF 362. As the legislation progressed, lawmakers shifted from a mandatory licensure proposal to an optional state registration framework. The amended language was ultimately incorporated into the omnibus bill, HF 3825, which was enacted on May 16. The optional state registration program will take effect on July 1, 2028, marking a significant step forward in advancing massage regulation, elevating professional standards, and protecting the public. We remain committed to advocating for mandatory licensure in Minnesota.

Learn More About HF 3825

Mississippi

The Revised Compact bill (HB 833) was introduced in January and referred to the committee on Public Health and Human Services. However, HB 833 was not heard and died.

Missouri

HB 3458, the Revised Compact bill, was introduced in February and referred to the House Committee on Emerging Issues. While the bill saw no movement this session, it remains active for 2027.

Additionally, the Original Compact legislation (HB 3262/SB 1673) was introduced at the same time, creating confusion. HB 3262 passed out of the House Committee on Economic Development in February but was unable to secure a hearing in the House Rules Committee. SB 1673 passed out of the Senate Committee on Emerging Issues and Professional Registration but failed to crossover to the House.

New Hampshire

HB 1469, which establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for massage therapy establishments and related bodywork establishments in New Hampshire, was enacted on July 10, 2026. The new legislation will require establishment licenses, license posting, inspections, rulemaking, and supervision by licensed practitioners, while also outlining exemptions for certain healthcare settings. It includes enforcement provisions and criminal penalties for operating without a license, with specific language addressing illegal activity, including prostitution and human trafficking.

Additionally, HB 241, which requires insurance coverage for certain pain management therapies prescribed as alternatives to opioids, including massage therapy, was enacted on July 16, 2026. This is a huge step forward, integrating massage therapy further into nonpharmacological options for pain relief.

New Jersey

A 1408 would broaden public awareness by requiring businesses that employ massage or bodywork therapists to have signage about human trafficking in Chinese and Korean. The New Jersey legislative session ends in December, but this bill has not secured a hearing yet. AMTA will continue to monitor and support this bill to help increase public safety and combat human trafficking.

New Mexico

SB 246 would establish licensure for massage therapy establishments, expand board authority over inspections, renewals, suspensions, and revocations, and create penalties for operating without a license in New Mexico. The bill would also define “massage therapy establishment,” set minimum health and safety standards, require license posting, and strengthen enforcement. While SB 246 did not advance, it is likely to return in the 2027 session.

New York

S 4612 would expand New York's workers' compensation law to include coverage for treatment provided by massage therapists. The bill passed the Senate in 2025 and advanced to the Assembly but did not progress during the 2026 session. It has since returned to the Senate, where it remains under consideration.

Additionally, S 6758 would require practitioners to discuss the risks of opioid use, the potential for dependence, and available non-opioid treatment options before issuing an initial opioid prescription for acute or chronic pain and again before a third prescription. The bill specifically identifies massage therapy among the non-opioid alternatives, alongside physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and exercise. S 6758 made limited progress during the session and will remain active for consideration in 2027.

North Carolina

AMTA continues to advocate for an update to H 693, the Original Massage Compact legislation, by working with legislators to incorporate the Revised Massage Compact language. The bill remains active, and with the North Carolina legislative session active through August, AMTA will continue pursuing opportunities to advance the Revised Compact.

Ohio

AMTA continues to monitor HB 744 and partner with the bill sponsor to advance the legislation. The bill aims to clarify scope of practice, prevent unauthorized massage therapy, and update township regulation language for massage therapy establishments. It also strengthens alignment with state medical board provisions by reinforcing oversight systems that help safeguard against unauthorized practice. The bill remains active in the ongoing Ohio session.

Additionally, SB 276, which included the Revised Compact and a CE mandate, passed in Ohio, expanding professional mobility and practitioner competency while maintaining strong public safety standards.

Learn More About SB 276

Oklahoma

AMTA's successful lobbying efforts helped secure the enactment of HB 3000, marking an important step forward for Oklahoma massage therapists. The legislation extends the sunset date of the Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, where massage therapists are regulated, eliminates the Massage Therapy Advisory Board, and adds a licensed massage therapist as a full voting member of the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. It also establishes license renewal, and reinstatement fees and provides for the transition of massage therapy oversight within the state's professional licensing framework. By ensuring massage therapists are represented by practicing professionals, the law helps strengthen professional oversight and uphold high standards across the state.

Also, the Revised Compact legislation (SB 1969) was introduced in February and referred to committee, but it did not receive a hearing.

Learn More About HB 3000

South Carolina

The Revised Compact Bill (H 5210) was introduced in February and carried three sponsors. While the legislature was supportive of this initiative, the bill failed to progress this session. However, we look forward to reintroducing H 5210 in 2027.

Tennessee

The Revised Compact Bill (HB 2201/SB 2446) passed unanimously out of the Senate Government Operations Committee but did not advance further.

Learn More About SB 2446

Vermont

AMTA continued to support H 623, which would replace Vermont's registration system with a licensure framework for massage therapists while requiring licensure for massage therapy establishments. The bill would establish licensing, renewal, and endorsement requirements, strengthen health and safety standards, create a pathway for experienced practitioners to become licensed, and enhance public protection by addressing unauthorized practice and professional misconduct. Although H 623 did not advance, it will remain active for the 2027 session, and AMTA will continue advocating for its passage!

Additionally, H 588 would strengthen professional regulation by expanding the Office of Professional Regulation's enforcement authority and enhancing oversight of massage therapists, bodyworkers, touch professionals, and massage establishments. The bill includes new standards for establishment registration, inspections, client disclosures, and professional conduct while reinforcing protections against unregistered practice, sexual misconduct, and activities associated with prostitution and human trafficking.

Finally, the Revised Massage Compact legislation (H 625) was introduced in Vermont in January but did not receive a committee hearing.

Learn More About H 623

Learn More About H 588

Virginia

AMTA worked with legislators to amend the Original Compact, enacted in 2025, through HB 579/795 to incorporate the Revised Compact language. After a difficult session, the bill was pulled, but it is expected to return in the 2027 legislative session.

Learn More About HB 579

Washington

AMTA stepped up to advocate for more timely payment requirements for health carriers while reducing administrative burdens on massage therapy providers. Although SB 6071, which addressed overpayment recovery and timely reimbursement standards, did not receive a final vote, its key provisions were successfully incorporated into SB 5845. The enacted law modernizes and clarifies timely payment requirements for health carriers, establishes clearer timelines for clean claims, provider notifications, and refund requests, and creates a more transparent and predictable reimbursement process. Together, these changes improve communication and accountability between health carriers and massage therapy providers while reducing unnecessary administrative challenges. The provisions related to carrier refund request deadlines take effect January 1, 2028.

Learn More About SB 5845

Wisconsin

AMTA supported SB 492/AB 492, which would recognize massage therapy as a nonpharmacological pain management option and expand access to opioid alternatives. The legislation would require health insurance plans and self-insured governmental health plans that provide prescription drug coverage to develop and implement pain management access plans that ensure coverage for a range of non-opioid treatments, including massage therapy. Although the bill did not pass, it represents continued progress toward integrating massage therapy into comprehensive pain management strategies.

Additionally, the Original Massage Compact legislation (SB 1004/AB 1014), introduced in February, did not advance before legislative deadlines.

Stay Connected

AMTA is proud to be the leader in advocating for massage therapists across the country and continuing to protect and advance the massage therapy profession. We encourage you to continue to check our newsfeed for the latest updates on AMTA's advocacy initiatives and for opportunities to make a difference!

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!