With the 2026 legislative season on the horizon, the ABMP Government Relations team is closely monitoring trends that could transform the massage profession. From establishment and professional licensing to credential portability, we’re tracking the issues that matter most to practitioners and predicting what’s next.
Why It Pays to Look Ahead
Before diving into the details, let’s learn why tracking emerging issues is essential for anyone invested in the future of massage.
When you anticipate the issues that could influence massage therapy practice, you give yourself the power to prepare and advocate. Whether you’re a massage therapist, educator, or leader in the profession, staying one step ahead of the game means you can help champion fair policies that advance and enhance the profession. We’re talking about laws that support business-friendly sole practitioner autonomy, public trust in credentials and training, and flexible licensing pathways.
Now, here are the top issues we expect to land on lawmakers’ desks in 2026.
Establishment Licensing: More Oversight, More Licenses
In 2025, the push for establishment licensing continued to gain momentum. But what does that mean for you? Establishment licensing adds an extra layer of regulation, requiring massage businesses to license the physical location where they provide services in addition to their professional credential. That means you pay more money for more regulation. The intent is to increase safety by making it easier for law enforcement to distinguish legitimate businesses from bad actors, but the reality is that bad actors continue to operate unhindered, and you’re on the hook for paying extra fees.
With Utah and West Virginia enacting establishment licensing this year, despite ABMP and other industry pushback, the trend is clear: States are strengthening efforts to regulate massage businesses more closely. As lawmakers look for ways to improve public safety and accountability, more establishment licensing bills will be introduced in 2026.
When these bills hit legislatures next year, ABMP will fight back and advocate for sole practitioner exemptions. Massage therapists shouldn’t be burdened with paying for two licenses—one for themselves and another for their workspace—but it is especially damaging to sole practitioners. The establishment license fees are sometimes high enough to put a sole practitioner out of business.
Massage Licensure and Who’s Next in 2026
Next year, we will continue to lead efforts to introduce professional massage licensure in states that still lack statewide regulation, with special focus on Kansas and Minnesota. Licensure protects the public and the practitioner by setting minimum standards for education, ethics, and safety and brings deserved credibility to the profession.
California remains unlicensed and a conundrum. Despite wide support for licensure among practitioners, the legislature extended the sunset date for the California Massage Therapy Council, which oversees massage certification, rather than exploring alternative models such as licensure. Meetings are planned for next year to keep the conversation going, but the big question remains: Will California finally move toward full licensure in 2026?
Multistate Licensing Could Be a Game Changer
The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) is one of the most exciting developments in massage legislation in recent memory. The IMpact allows licensed massage therapists to practice across “members states” with a single multistate license without having to jump through hoops or additional paperwork. Arkansas, Montana, and Virginia enacted the IMpact this year, and we need only two more member states to join. That’s a big win!
While the IMpact is picking up steam, recent developments may affect its path forward. In October, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) proposed revisions to the IMpact’s model language. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), which oversees the IMpact, issued a public statement outlining its perspective and concerns. These discussions may influence the IMpact’s direction in 2026.
Despite the uncertainty, ABMP remains optimistic. We’re hopeful that differences will be resolved and that more states will sign on in 2026. If successful, the IMpact could redefine how massage therapists work across the country and across state borders. It has the potential to promote mobility, encourage professional freedom, and serve clients wherever they are.
To learn more, visit the IMpact’s official website.
Transparency Is Trending
States are tightening rules around how massage licenses must be displayed and verified. Here’s what we’re seeing:
- Photo ID requirements added to licenses
- Mandatory display of licenses in treatment rooms or reception areas
- On-demand license verification available for clients and inspectors
These changes are intended to reduce fraud, protect consumers, and ensure that only qualified MTs are offering massage services. While some practitioners support added transparency, others have concerns about privacy.
We expect states to introduce bills requiring similar measures in 2026. License visibility is becoming a regulatory priority, and it’s likely to remain a strategy to increase public trust and professional accountability.
From Awareness to Action
As we head into 2026, the massage legislative landscape is evolving and full of possibilities. Staying informed and engaged will be essential for practitioners, educators, and advocates who want to help shape what comes next.
Watch your inbox for legislative alerts from ABMP. Let’s be ready—not just to react, but to lead in 2026.
Bonus Reads for the Policy Buff
Want to catch up on what happened in 2025? Don’t miss our end-of-session recap where we break down the biggest wins and trends from this year’s legislative activity.
Curious about licensing? This one-pager offers compelling insight into why Minnesota needs licensure—and why the same case can be made for every state!