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HB 3458

Establishes the "Interstate Massage Compact"

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Coleman

Creates a multistate massage license via a central Commission to ease cross-state practice while maintaining public safety and enforcement.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#compacts #professionalregistrationandlicensing
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Bill Summary · HB 3458

Purpose and overall aim

  • Missouri House Bill 3458 introduces the Interstate Massage Compact (the “Compact”).
  • The core goal is to reduce regulatory burdens on state governments while creating a multistate licensing pathway for massage therapists. The intent is to increase public access to Massage Therapy Services, enhance public safety, improve information sharing among states, and increase mobility for licensed practitioners across member states.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of the Interstate Massage Compact Commission (the Commission):

    • A joint government agency comprised of one delegate from each participating state’s Licensing Authority.
    • The Commission has broad authority to adopt rules and bylaws, manage finances, hire staff, maintain records, and oversee enforcement and compliance.
    • An Executive Committee (seven voting members) manages day-to-day operations and can act between full Commission meetings.

  • Multistate License (MSL):

    • Eligible Licensees hold a Home State Single-State License and may obtain a Multistate License enabling practice in Remote States.
    • A Multistate License is recognized by Remote States as Authorization to Practice Massage Therapy there.
    • Multistate Licensees remain subject to the laws and regulatory authority of the state where they practice.

  • Eligibility and requirements for the Multistate License:

    • Active Home State Single-State License.
    • Educational and examination requirements (minimum 625 clock hours or equivalent experience; psychometrically valid national exam such as MBLEx or NBMTB equivalents; ongoing Continuing Competence).
    • Background checks (fingerprints/biometrics) and disclosure of Disqualifying Events.
    • Criminal history standards (no certain felonies in the past 5 years; certain misdemeanors related to practice within the past 2 years; exclusions for trafficking-related offenses, etc.).
    • No history of certain Adverse Actions within specified periods; payment of all fees.
    • Multistate License duration aligns with Home State license renewal.

  • Public protection and enforcement:

    • Home State has exclusive power to impose Adverse Action against a Licensee’s Multistate License; Remote States can take action against a Licensee’s Authorization to Practice in their state.
    • Home State can complete investigations started in other states; Remote States can participate in joint investigations and share information.
    • If Adverse Action is taken by a Home State, all Remote States’ authorizations may be deactivated during the pendency of the action.
    • Alternative Programs may be used in lieu of Adverse Action; multistate practice is suspended during participation in such programs.

  • Data, reporting, and information sharing:

    • Creation of a Data System with unique identifiers for Licensees.
    • Required reporting of licenses, actions, Investigative Information, and Adverse Actions by Member States.
    • Shared access to Investigative Information (Current Significant Investigative Information) among Member States.

  • Meetings, transparency, and governance:

    • Annual public meetings; rules and bylaws adopted by the Commission; public hearings prior to rule adoption.
    • Authority to enforce, dispute resolution, and potential legal actions to ensure compliance.

  • Operation and finances:

    • Commission can levy annual assessments on Member States and fees on licensees to fund operations; independent financial oversight and audits.

Who is affected

  • Massage therapists licensed in Member States that join the Compact may practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses for each state.
  • Home State Licensing Authorities and Remote State regulatory bodies gain mutual enforcement tools and data-sharing capabilities.
  • Military members and spouses receive streamlined pathways via provisions related to relocating and licensure.
  • Public safety and consumer protection agencies benefit from standardized background checks, continuing competence, and shared disciplinary information.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • The Compact becomes effective when enacted into law by the seventh Member State.
  • Charter Members’ enactments are reviewed for material differences; material deviations trigger default procedures.
  • States may withdraw with 180 days’ notice, with ongoing recognition of licenses for 180 days post-notice.
  • Rules promulgation requires public notice, hearings, and timeframes for effectiveness, with emergency rulemaking possible under defined conditions.

Overall, HB 3458 seeks to create a nationwide framework for multistate licensing of massage therapists, balancing mobility with public protection through a centralized Commission and standardized standards.

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

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