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Bill

SB 132

AN ACT relating to massage therapy.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shelley Frommeyer and 1 co-sponsor

SB 132 would regulate massage therapy in Kentucky by establishing licensing or certification, oversight, and public-safety standards for practitioners and businesses.

to Local Government (H)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 132

Overview

SB 132 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) appears to be an act relating to massage therapy. Based on the bill’s action history, it has progressed through several legislative stages, including committee referrals and readings, and advanced to the Local Government committee stage before a floor vote in the Senate. The available materials do not include the full text of the bill, so this summary focuses on the established procedural timeline and the bill’s likely scope inferred from its title and typical mass therapy regulatory reforms.

Purpose and Intent

  • The main purpose of SB 132 is to regulate massage therapy within Kentucky, with the aim of establishing standards, oversight, and potentially licensure or certification requirements for massage therapists.
  • The bill is positioned to clarify the regulatory framework governing massage therapy practices, professional qualifications, and associated public safety considerations.

Key Provisions (inferred from title and typical scope)

Note: The specific text is not provided here, but typical elements in massage therapy regulation bills may include:

  • Licensing/Certification: Establishment of eligibility criteria for massage therapists, such as education requirements, examination, and credentialing processes.
  • Scope of Practice: Definition of permissible services and practices that constitute massage therapy within the state, including any distinctions between therapeutic massage and related modalities.
  • Regulation and Oversight: Creation or designation of a state board or authority responsible for licensing, discipline, and enforcement actions.
  • Ethical and Professional Standards: Standards of conduct, continuing education requirements, and penalties for unprofessional or illegal practice.
  • Public Safety and Consumer Protections: Measures to protect clients, such as background checks, complaint processes, and mandatory disclosure of qualifications.
  • Local Government Interaction: Provisions enabling or guiding local governments to enforce state licensure and regulate massage therapy businesses within their jurisdictions.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals practicing massage therapy in Kentucky, including masseurs, masseuses, and massage therapists seeking licensure or certification.
  • Massage therapy businesses, clinics, spa facilities, and mobile massage providers operating within Kentucky.
  • Local governments and law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing licensure requirements and handling complaints or disciplinary actions.
  • Educational institutions and training programs offering massage therapy curricula that align with state licensing standards.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: January 28, 2026 (Senate).
  • Committee Path: Referred to Committee on Committees (S) on initial introduction; later referrals likely to State & Local Government (S) and then Committees (H) as part of the House process.
  • House Progression: On February 2, 2026, moved to State & Local Government (S) in the Senate, with subsequent referral to Committees (S) and then to Committees (H) in the House, indicating cross-chamber consideration.
  • Floor Action: 3rd reading in the Senate on February 6, 2026, with a final vote recorded as passed 32-0.
  • House Path: Following Senate action, the bill moved to the House (Local Government) on March 5, 2026, with the initial steps indicating committee considerations and potential floor action pending.
  • Next Steps: If passed by both chambers, the bill would proceed to reconcile differences between Senate and House versions (if any) and be sent to the governor for signature or veto.

Potential Impacts

  • Public Safety and Consumer Confidence: Clear standards may enhance protection for clients seeking massage therapy services.
  • Professional Qualification: A defined licensure or certification pathway could standardize qualifications and accountability among practitioners.
  • Economic Impact: Regulatory requirements could affect the cost and availability of massage therapy services, training program enrollment, and business licensing processes.
  • Local Government: Localities may be empowered or required to enforce state-mandated licensure and practice rules.

Additional Notes

  • The exact text, including specific license requirements, fees, exemption provisions (e.g., for chiropractors, physical therapists, or alternative practitioners), and disciplinary procedures, is not provided here. For a precise understanding of SB 132’s provisions, the full bill language and fiscal impact statements should be consulted.
  • The bill’s current procedural status indicates active consideration and potential movement toward final passage, subject to committee amendments and chamber concurrence.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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