Licensing Oversight Protected for Oklahoma Massage Therapists

On May 14, 2025, Governor Stitt vetoed HB 1030 —a bill that would have extended the sunset date for the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Without an official regulatory board in place, massage therapists across the state faced significant licensing setbacks, jeopardizing professional standards and oversight.

In response, our lobbyists acted swiftly, working closely with the Governor’s office and state legislators to find a viable solution. On May 27, SB 676—an existing bill —was successfully amended to include a one-year extension for the Cosmetology and Barbering Board. This timely intervention represents a critical victory in safeguarding the massage therapy profession in Oklahoma!

The amended bill was signed into law on May 29, protecting licensing standards and oversight for massage professionals across Oklahoma! This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our Government Relations team, the AMTA-OK chapter, and supporters across the state.