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MarylandSB 04192026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Health Occupations - State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners - Revisions

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsAccreditationApplicants and ApplicationsCommittees and CommissionsContinuing EducationCriminal Background InvestigationsEvidenceHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)HearingsHigher Education CommissionInterstate AffairsJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMassagePenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationTime

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Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

More ways to qualify for massage licenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland's massage Board may accept specified massage-program accreditation instead of accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Out-of-state programs must meet state approval, endorsement, accreditation, and 750-contact-hour curriculum requirements. Applicants can fill missing hours with Board-approved study or continuing education, counted one hour for one hour. Another option is at least 1,000 licensed, out-of-state hands-on massage hours completed within the two years immediately before applying. Applicants still must be at least 18, pass an approved exam, have good moral character, and complete a criminal history check.

Registered massage practitioners can keep working

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland's registered massage practitioners can keep working in non-health-care settings without the former October 31, 2026, cutoff. The State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners must convert their registrations to licenses when they meet its conversion regulations.

Tighter return-to-work rules for massage practitioners

Beginning July 1, 2026, former registered massage practitioners face new-license requirements if they miss the five-year deadline to apply for reinstatement. That deadline runs from the registration's expiration date. Registered practitioners also face new-license requirements if they do not reactivate within five years after first entering inactive status. In either case, the Board can set additional requirements. All licensees and registered practitioners returning from inactive status must show satisfactory Maryland State and national criminal history checks. They must also meet current renewal-period continuing education and CPR requirements and pay the Board-set reactivation fee.

Massage practitioners face $100 reporting penalties

Beginning July 1, 2026, licensed and registered massage practitioners must report name or address changes to the Board in writing. They have 60 days after the change. The Board may impose a $100 administrative penalty for missing that deadline. The law removes the former statutory requirement for a hearing before imposing the penalty.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bryan W. Simonaire

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

House vote • 4/2/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 191

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/3/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/2/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/1/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Health

    4/1/2026House

  6. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/17/2026House

  7. Referred Health

    2/20/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    2/19/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    2/17/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    2/17/2026Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Finance

    2/16/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/31/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    1/29/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/29/2026

    PDF

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