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Senate committee advances interstate massage compact to allow multistate licenses; questions on fees and governance
Summary
House Bill 1217, an interstate massage compact, was approved by the committee after extended discussion on costs, commission structure, data sharing and state authority. Sponsors said fees will be borne by licensees and the state retains ability to withdraw.
The committee approved House Bill 1217, which would adopt the interstate massage compact and allow qualifying massage therapists to obtain a multistate license to practice in member states. Representative Nazarinko (presenting HB 1217) said the compact uses language modeled on recent interstate compacts for occupational therapy and counseling and would remove barriers that prevent qualified therapists from practicing across member states.
Representative Nazarinko described the compact as voluntary for licensees: Arkansas therapists could continue to practice under existing state licensing without joining the compact. Patty Glenn, director of education and professional mobility for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), told the committee the compact’s commission would be established as an independent nonprofit overseen by regulators; the first seven states to join the compact will form the initial executive board and help promulgate rules.
Committee members questioned costs, who would serve on the commission and data-sharing safeguards. The sponsor said a fiscal-impact estimate showed an initial cost of about $15,000 with $6,000 annually; the compact’s multistate license fee would be set by the commission and — based on other compacts — was expected to be roughly 1.5 to 2 times the state license fee. Witnesses said that in Arkansas the current license fee is about $80, so the multistate fee could be roughly $120–$160, paid by licensees rather than by the state.
Patty Glenn said the compact requires participation in a national licensing registry that will support data sharing and discipline notifications among member states; states retain authority to make licensing and discipline decisions and retain the right to withdraw from the compact. Representatives of the massage community (Ashley Smith, master massage therapist and Little Rock business owner) spoke in support, saying the compact would help military families and address a shortage of therapists.
Committee members pressed for clarity on executive-board selection, fees, and whether compact commission actions could override state law. Witnesses said states would retain sovereignty, the compact includes withdrawal procedures, and the commission’s rulemaking will involve member states and regulatory boards. After extended questions and public testimony the committee voted to pass the bill (mover: Senator Hammer; second: Senator Tucker). The chair announced the bill passed by voice vote.
