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SB 1756

INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Javier Cervantes and 1 co-sponsor

Illinois joins Interstate Massage Compact to offer a Multistate License for massage therapists, enabling practice in member states and shared enforcement, data, and portability.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 1756

SB 1756 — Interstate Massage Compact (Interstate Massage Compact Act)

Summary

SB 1756 would enact the Interstate Massage Compact in Illinois, making Illinois a member of a multistate licensure and regulatory framework for massage therapy. The Compact creates a pathway for licensed massage therapists to obtain a multistate license that permits practice in other member states, establishes an Interstate Massage Compact Commission to administer the Compact, and sets standards for information sharing, adverse action enforcement, and related procedures.

Purpose

The Compact’s stated goals are to:
- Reduce burdens on state governments and facilitate interstate practice and regulation of massage therapy;
- Increase public access to massage therapy services;
- Improve public safety and prevent licensure fraud and human trafficking;
- Increase licensure mobility for practitioners (including support for active-duty military members and their spouses);
- Enhance exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information among member states.

Key provisions

  • Creates the Interstate Massage Compact and requires Illinois to join.
  • Multistate license: Establishes a “Multistate License” issued via a practitioner’s Home State that allows practice in other member (Remote) States, subject to each Remote State’s enforcement jurisdiction.
  • Definitions and standards: Sets definitions for terms such as Home State, Licensee, Authorization to Practice, Adverse Action, Investigative Information, Background Check, Disqualifying Event, Continuing Competence, and Alternative Program.
  • Adverse actions and accountability: Member States may take adverse or disciplinary actions (revocation, suspension, monitoring, limitations, cease-and-desist orders) and hold multistate licensees accountable under state law.
  • Data system: Authorizes a centralized data system to maintain license status, investigative information, and adverse actions for multistate licensees.
  • Commission: Establishes an Interstate Massage Compact Commission as an interstate instrumentality with rulemaking authority, an executive committee, dispute resolution, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Military portability: Contains provisions to support active-duty military members and their spouses (license portability or facilitation).
  • Miscellaneous: Sets rules for rulemaking, oversight, dispute resolution, withdrawal, amendment of the Compact, severability, and conflict with member-state laws. States retain authority to enforce their own massage therapy laws.

Who is affected

  • Licensed massage therapists in Illinois (potential access to a multistate license).
  • Illinois Licensing Authorities and state regulatory agencies (new responsibilities for cooperation, data sharing, and enforcement actions).
  • Consumers (potentially greater access to providers); military members and spouses (improved mobility).
  • The newly created Interstate Massage Compact Commission (administrative and operational duties).

Procedural status / timeline (selected)

  • Introduced by Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr. on 2/5/2025 (SB 1756). Co‑sponsor added: Sen. Javier L. Cervantes.
  • Filed with Secretary 2/28/2025.
  • Advanced through Senate hearings and amendments; Senate passed the bill (4/28/2025).
  • Received by the House 4/29/2025; read first time and referred to Ways & Means (4/30/2025). Listed as Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments (4/11/2025).

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Mobility: Would ease interstate practice for therapists in member states, improving access to services.
  • Regulation and enforcement: Standardized information sharing and a centralized commission may speed investigations and disciplinary actions, but state licensing authorities remain empowered to enforce local laws.
  • Implementation costs: Member states may incur costs to connect to the Commission’s data system and adapt licensing processes.
  • Opt-in nature: The Compact takes effect only as states enact enabling legislation; outcomes depend on the number and timing of states that join.

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

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