Senate Bill 286 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Keith KelleySenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Massage therapy; interstate licensure compact, established

Summary

SB286 would let Alabama join the Interstate Massage Compact to create a multistate license enabling massage therapists to practice in multiple member states under shared standards.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes Alabama’s massage licensing authority to participate in the Interstate Massage Compact by adding Article 2 to Title 34, Chapter 43A. It establishes a multistate license that would allow a licensed massage therapist to practice in remote member states under the home-state license, with eligibility based on active single-state licensure, education requirements, a national exam, and background checks. It creates a framework for shared information, complaints, and disciplinary actions across states, and sets up the Interstate Massage Compact Commission to govern the program, enforce rules, and handle disputes. It also includes provisions for active military members and the process for amendments or withdrawal from the compact, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Massage therapists in Alabama who hold or want a multistate license would need to meet education hours (minimum 625 clock hours or equivalent), pass a national exam, undergo background checks, and could practice in other member states under a single multistate license.
• Alabama residents and the public who receive massage therapy would gain standardized licensing and reporting across states, potentially improving safety and access to licensed therapists, with disciplinary actions and investigations shared among member states.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes Alabama’s licensing authority to join the Interstate Massage Compact by enacting Article 2 into Chapter 43A of Title 34.
• Creates a multistate license that authorizes massage therapy practice in remote states, while recognizing the home-state license and maintaining state-specific scope of practice.
• Requires eligibility for multistate licensure: active single-state license, minimum education (625 clock hours or equivalent via approved pathways), successful national examination, background checks, and adherence to character/disciplinary standards; ongoing continuing competence.
• Establishes a centralized Data System with unique identifiers for licensees, sharing of adverse actions and investigative information between member states, and reporting requirements for licensure decisions.
• Designates the home state as the primary authority for imposing adverse actions on multistate licenses; remote states may take action against a licensee’s remote authorization, with deactivation of multistate licenses if the home-state action occurs.
• Creates the Interstate Massage Compact Commission to govern the compact, adopt rules, manage budgets, oversee compliance, and handle disputes; includes an executive committee and regular/public meetings.
• Allows active military members and their spouses to designate a home state for licensure purposes and to meet requirements via designated arrangements.
• Provides withdrawal and amendment processes for member states, with a 180-day withdrawal period and continued compliance obligations during transition.
• Sets an effective date of October 1, 2026, for the compact to take effect in Alabama, with rules governing how existing laws interact with the compact.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards