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SB 1673

SB 1673 - This act establishes the Interstate Massage Compact ("Compact"), which allows for the interstate practice of massage therapy. The Compact sets forth the requirements to be met in order for a state to join and maintain membership in the Compact. Additionally, the Compact provides the requirements for a massage therapist to obtain and exercise the ability to practice under a multistate license. The multistate license shall be valid until the expiration or revocation of the home state license. The Compact further provides that a massage therapist with multistate license shall function within the scope of practice of the member state. Massage therapists shall also be subject to that member state's licensing authority, which has the authority to impose adverse action on licenses issued by that state. A member state may also participate with other member states in joint investigations of a licensee. The member states shall report licensure data along with any adverse action and significant investigative information to the data system established in the Compact. Additionally, the Compact creates the Interstate Massage Compact Commission ("Commission"), which is a joint government agency of member states with the power to administer and implement the Compact. Each member state shall be entitled to one delegate, who shall be selected by the state's licensing authority for massage therapists and who shall be the primary administrative officer of the state's licensing authority or their designee. The Commission shall meet at least once a year. Additionally, there shall be an Executive Committee, composed of seven voting members and two ex-officio members, to act on behalf of the Commission, including on day-to-day activities related to the administration of the Compact. The Commission may levy and collect an annual assessment from each member state and impose fees on licensees to whom it grants a mutlistate license to cover the costs of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff. Members, officers, executive directors, employees, and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from liability, both personally and in their official capacity, for any claim for damages arising out of any acts or omissions that occurred within the scope of the Commission's employment, duties, or responsibilities, except for those damages caused by intentional or willful or wanton misconduct. The procurement of insurance by the Commission shall not limit such immunity. For any actions by or against the Commission, venue is proper in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. Furthermore, the Compact shall come into effect on the date in which the seventh state enacts the Compact into law. Any member state may withdraw from the Compact by repealing the Compact, but such withdrawal shall not take effect until 180 days after the enactment of the repeal. If a state defaults in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under the Compact or its rules, the Commission, after notifying state officials and upon a majority vote of the Commission, may terminate membership of the defaulting state. Finally, the Compact shall be binding upon participating states and shall supersede any conflict with state law. However, nothing in the Compact shall prevent or inhibit the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with the Compact. This act is identical to HB 3262 (2026) and is similar to HB 3458 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jamie Burger

Missouri joins the Interstate Massage Compact, allowing licensed massage therapists to work across member states without separate state licenses through reciprocal credential recognition.

Voted Do Pass S Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1673

Legislative bill overview

SB 1673 establishes Missouri's participation in the Interstate Massage Compact, a multi-state agreement that creates uniform licensing standards and allows licensed massage therapists to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The compact creates an administrative body to oversee interstate regulation and establishes reciprocal recognition of massage therapy credentials among member states.

Why is this important

This bill affects massage therapists' ability to work across state lines and consumers' access to massage services by reducing regulatory barriers. It could increase professional mobility for therapists while potentially creating a more streamlined licensing process, though it also standardizes regulations across states that may have previously had different requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory uniformity vs. state autonomy: Critics may argue the compact reduces individual states' ability to set their own standards, while supporters contend uniform standards reduce confusion and protect consumers
  • Licensing rigor concerns: Debate over whether uniform standards might lower requirements in some states or create a "lowest common denominator" approach to massage therapy credentials
  • Consumer protection: Questions about whether interstate compacts adequately protect consumers in each state or create gaps in accountability and disciplinary procedures across state lines

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

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