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WashingtonHB 23632025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning temporary exemptions from licensure for certain applicants for a license to practice music therapy.

Sponsored By: Julia Reed (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Licensing and short-term exemptions for music therapists

Beginning January 1, 2025, you must be licensed to practice music therapy or use the title “music therapist” in Washington. An applicant may practice under a licensed music therapist’s supervision for up to six months if all other requirements are met and only the exam result is still pending verification. Other Washington-licensed professionals and their supervised staff may use music incidental to their own practice but must not claim to be music therapists. People with national certification in another field may do that work but must not use the music therapist title. Students in a music therapy education program may practice as part of their training. Music therapists may not evaluate or treat speech, language, communication, or swallowing disorders unless separately authorized as speech-language pathologists, and must not misrepresent that authority; they may still address communication skills within music therapy.

Review school plan before student therapy

Before giving music therapy for an identified educational need, the licensee reviews the student’s diagnosis, needs, and plan with the IEP or IFSP team. This helps the school team and the provider align goals before therapy starts.

Most changes begin January 1, 2028

This law takes effect January 1, 2028, unless a section lists a different date. A listed section date controls for that section.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Roger Goodman

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 1/1/2028.

    3/11/2026House

  2. Chapter 27, 2026 Laws.

    3/11/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/5/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/3/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/27/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  11. HLTC - Majority; do pass.

    2/24/2026House

  12. First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

    2/16/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/12/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2026House

  15. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/12/2026House

  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/11/2026House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/4/2026House

  18. PEW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/4/2026House

  19. PEW - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/4/2026House

  20. First reading, referred to Postsecondary Education & Workforce.

    1/12/2026House

  21. Prefiled for introduction.

    1/9/2026House

Bill Text

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