Government Relations Report

ATMA Government Relations report:

2026 Annual Meeting January 22, 2026

I have been in communication with Kim Guenthner, Abigail Bonam, and Denise Logsdon, who have spearheaded the Alliance of Licensed Massage Therapists of Greater Louisville and the effort to amend the Louisville ordinance, as well as attending the online meetings and monitoring the FB page of the same name. As we continue to monitor and work with the Louisville City Council regarding the ordinance that was passed earlier this year, I would encourage all Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs), especially those directly affected by the ordinance, to follow the Alliance on FB and become involved, even if it’s just listening to the meetings. Denise has included detailed information of the current status in her report. 

Senate Bill 132 also has far-reaching implications for Massage Therapy businesses in Kentucky. This legislation establishes regulatory procedures, including zoning requirements, inspections, occupational licensing or fees, sanitation, and hours of operation for massage therapy businesses. This is due to human trafficking occurring at businesses fronting as legitimate massage therapy businesses or “salons” (Press Releases, February, 20, 2026). Please see the article link here: https://linknky.com/press-releases/2026/02/20/press-release-frommeyers-sb-132-on-human-trafficking-disguised-as-massage-therapy-passes-out-of-senate-clarifying-language-for-local-governments-authority-regulating-business-operat/

This bill is similar to the Louisville ordinance and is a misguided trend by lawmakers to curb human trafficking by penalizing LMTs by imposing burdensome fees and regulations to LMTs who already have a Code of Ethics, are licensed by the state and otherwise follow the rules. One of the key aspects of this bill to be aware of is that, if a therapist is practicing without a license, the penalty would be that each individual massage therapy session performed without a license would constitute a Class A misdemeanor rather than a Class B misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors carry penalties of 90 days to 12 months in jail and a possible fine of up to $500, while Class B misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of 90 days and a possible fine up to $250. It will be important, should this pass, that LMTs need to renew their licenses well before the due date. Suggested to renew online at least 3 months ahead. 

Nothing has changed with what I reported in our January newsletter regarding the Interstate Compact (IMCompact). James Specker, Bob Babbage (our state lobbyist), and I have had meetings with Council of State Governments (CSG) state representative Grant Minix and others to discuss the changes to the Massage Compact. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the CSG contacted James at the end of last year to propose changes and discuss those changes with AMTA. There is much misinformation regarding AMTA changing the Compact on their own as well as other aspects of the compact that are not being presented factually. The CSG put out a letter on 1/14/26 describing their process. Here is the most up-to-date link of their statement and summary of key provisions: Interstate Massage Compact.

I hope this clears up some of the confusion and answers questions you may have around the current version of the Compact. We look forward to Kentucky becoming a part of the Interstate Compact and to being able to move more seamlessly to other states that are interested and eligible. 

The Kentucky Board for Licensing of Massage Therapy (KBLMT) continues to work with the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners (KBVE) to formulate a certification path for animal massage therapists. Karen Frazier, KBLMT Vice Chair, has been meeting with KBVE Executive Director Michelle Shane to discuss. I will be checking in with Ms. Frazier in order to be brought up-to-speed as to where we are currently in the process of certification. My goal is to obtain the best information in order to assist in keeping our members, and others interested in practicing/continuing to practice in Kentucky as an equine or canine massage therapist, informed regarding participating in certification should it pass legislation. 

It is a continued honor and pleasure to serve as your AMTA-KY Government Relations chair.

In health, 

Ann E Boone

LMT, CLT, BCTMB

AMTA-KY GR Chair