HB119 - Alabama Massage Therapy Licensure Act Amendments

• Increases minimum supervised instruction hours for licensure from 500 to 650 hours, with specific breakdowns required in anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, and electives.

• Requires applicants to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent and subject to criminal history background checks; eliminates references to temporary permits.

• Raises penalties for violations from Class C misdemeanor to Class A misdemeanor and increases licensing fees (e.g., initial massage therapist license from $100 to $200, renewal from $100 to $300).

• Changes executive secretary position to executive director, provides board members $100 per day compensation plus travel expenses, and establishes excused absence provisions for medical emergencies and family matters.

• Expands board authority to revoke or suspend establishment licenses and removes retesting limits while eliminating requirements for oath filing with Governor and issuance of appointment certificates.