KS SB253

Establishes state licensure for massage therapists under the State Board of Healing Arts, requiring applicants to be at least 18, hold a high school diploma, complete 625 hours of supervised instruction, and pass a nationally recognized competency examination

Creates a grandfathering period prior to July 1, 2026, allowing currently practicing massage therapists to obtain licensure through alternative pathways including 3 years of practice experience, 300 hours of training in the preceding 3 years, or 12 months of professional association membership

Sets biennial license renewal fees (maximum $75) with up to 24 hours of continuing education required, and establishes maximum fees for applications ($80), temporary permits ($25), and reinstatement ($80)

Prohibits unlicensed practice of massage therapy after September 1, 2025, making violations a class B person misdemeanor, and preempts local governments from establishing separate professional licensing requirements for licensed massage therapists

Requires professional liability insurance coverage of $2,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 aggregate, and mandates fingerprinting and criminal background checks for initial applicants