For years, Minnesota massage therapists have navigated a maze of city ordinances, inconsistent rules, and unclear expectations. That could finally change. Two bills introduced in 2025—Senate File 1131/House File 362—will create statewide licensure for massage and Asian bodywork therapy.
Let’s look at what’s in the bills, why they matter, and how you can act to support licensure in Minnesota beginning in February 2026.
What the Bills Would Do
These bills aim to establish a statewide licensure system and make it easy and inexpensive for existing practitioners to transition to a new regulatory framework.
The bills would:
- Require licensure for massage and Asian bodywork therapists
- Define education and training standards
- Create a pathway for current and future practitioners to be licensed
- Set reasonable fees and renewal requirements
- Develop continuing education requirements
- Eliminate confusing and costly city ordinances
The Problem with City Ordinances
City-by-city regulation can create confusion, unnecessary expense, and inequality, and it’s holding the profession back.
- Rules, fees, and enforcement vary from one city to the next
- Therapists working in multiple cities may pay multiple city fees
- City fees can be unpredictable and are often more expensive than a single state license
- Ordinances often focus on business permits rather than professional standards or public safety
- Lack of uniformity makes it harder to advocate for the profession
Statewide licensure would replace this fragmented system with one affordable and fair standard to reduce confusion and save you time and money.
Licensure by Prior Experience
Already practicing? You’re covered. The bills include a provision to protect current professionals, allowing you to qualify for a license without returning to school or taking an exam.
To be eligible, you must:
- Submit an application and pay a fee
- Have at least two years of experience in the past five years
- Pass a criminal background check
- Carry liability insurance (ABMP membership includes qualifying coverage)
Proof of experience will need to be submitted by July 1, 2030, which gives new grads time to build experience. A temporary permit may be issued once your application is received.
Licensure for Future Therapists
New practitioners will follow a clear, fair path to licensure.
- Education requirement: 625 hours (500 contact and 125 clinical)
- Licensing exam to ensure competence
- Criminal background check
Reminder: Current practitioners do not have to meet these education requirements. Refer to “Licensure by Prior Experience” above.
Fees and Costs
Licensure will be accessible, not a financial burden. The bills propose the following fees:
- Initial application: Not to exceed $285
- Biennial renewal: Not to exceed $185
- Temporary permit: $50
Definitions Matter
Clear definitions in the bills will prevent misrepresentation, making the profession stronger and safer.
- “Massage therapy” and “Asian bodywork therapy” are clearly defined (see “Learn More” for full language)
- Scope of practice is outlined so you know what services are allowed
- Only licensed professionals can use the protected titles “licensed massage therapist,” “LMT,” “licensed Asian bodywork therapist,” or “LABT”
Key Dates, What’s Next
Let’s keep the momentum going!
- Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session begins February 17, 2026
- We need to push for the bills to be heard in committee early in the session
- Be ready to share your story and contact your reps
- Join our Facebook and Instagram Broadcast channels for real-time updates
- Bookmark the ABMP Minnesota Licensure page for resources
Learn More
Asian bodywork therapy—uses techniques based on Chinese medical principles to promote health and well-being by affecting the body and emotions. These include pressing, kneading, vibration, friction, passive stretching, active assistive and resistive movement, and manipulation of the soft tissues.
Massage therapy—involves the manual manipulation of soft tissues to restore health and well-being. Techniques include stroking, gliding, kneading, vibration, percussion, compression, passive stretching, active assistive and resistive movement, and manipulation of the soft tissues.