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!

With assurance from Governor Stitt, we are confident that this extension will be granted. The amended bill has passed the House and Senate and now awaits the Governor’s signature, with a 5-day window for action. As this bill is finalized and enacted, we remain committed to keeping the massage therapy community informed and up to date.

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.