SB137 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Garlan GudgerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, terminated pursuant to the Sunset law and replaced by the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board

Summary

SB137 moves massage therapy regulation from the old Alabama Board of Massage Therapy to a new Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board, with a transitional role for the Board of Nursing and a built-in sunset process.

What This Bill Does

The bill terminates the existing board and creates a new licensing board to regulate massage therapists, massage therapy schools, and massage therapy instructors. During a transition, the Board of Nursing will temporarily handle duties and staff, with full transfer to the new board by October 1, 2026. It establishes licensing, examination, and enforcement rules, requires background checks and continuing education, sets fees and a dedicated fund, and imposes penalties for violations. It also outlines advertising rules and how local regulations interact with the new state framework.

Who It Affects

• Licensed massage therapists: must meet new licensing and renewal requirements, pass exams, undergo background checks, and display licenses.
• Massage therapy establishments: must obtain licenses, be inspected, maintain records, and ensure licensed therapists work there.
• Massage therapy schools and instructors: must register with the board, meet curriculum and instructor requirements, and obtain approvals for programs and licenses.
• Public and regulators: gain standardized regulation and consumer protections, with a transitional oversight by the Board of Nursing and new enforcement and penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Terminating the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and creating the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board, with all powers, duties, and records transferred to the new board and temporary oversight by the Board of Nursing until full reconstitution (by Oct. 1, 2026).
• Establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework under Chapter 43A, including licensing requirements, examinations, school and instructor registration, establishment licensing, background checks, continuing education, fees, a dedicated fund, enforcement penalties, and advertising restrictions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards