SB37 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Keith KelleySenator
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Interstate compact, massage therapy
Summary: SB37 would let Alabama join the Interstate Massage Compact to create a uniform, multistate licensing system for massage therapists and improve public access and safety.
What This Bill Does
It would adopt Article 2 to join the Interstate Massage Compact, creating a multistate licensing pathway for massage therapists. It establishes the Interstate Massage Compact Commission and a data system to coordinate licensure, investigations, and discipline across member states while allowing each state to maintain its own laws not inconsistent with the compact. It sets requirements for multistate licensure (home-state license, 625 hours, national exam or substantial equivalent, background checks, and fitness/disciplinary safeguards) and outlines how adverse actions are shared and enforced among states. It includes protections for active-duty military members and spouses and provides for enforcement, dispute resolution, and withdrawal procedures.

Who It Affects
Massage therapists in Alabama who currently hold a single-state license or seek a multistate license, gaining cross-state practice rights and standardized requirements.
The public in Alabama and other member states, who would benefit from increased access to massage therapy and coordinated cross-state regulation and safety measures.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Interstate Massage Compact and adds Article 2 to Chapter 43A to create a multistate licensing framework.
Creates the Interstate Massage Compact Commission and data system to administer licensure, investigations, and discipline across member states, with governance, rules, and annual reporting.
Defines multistate license requirements (holding an active home-state license, 625 clock hours, national exam or approved equivalent, background checks, and character/suitability standards) and allows practice in remote states under the multistate license.
Specifies home-state exclusive authority to take adverse action on a license's multistate license, while remote states can take action against a licensee's authorization to practice in their state; actions in one state affect other remote states.
Provides for mobility protections for active military members and spouses, including home-state designation and continued eligibility during service.
Establishes processes for enforcement, dispute resolution, default/termination, withdrawal, and amendment, along with financial rules, immunity, and data-sharing requirements.
Effective date is October 1, 2025, with requirements for states to enact compatible laws and for ongoing compliance with the compact and its rules.

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