BILL NUMBER: S3931
SPONSOR: ORTT
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to adopting the Inter-
state Massage Compact
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
Adopts the Interstate Massage Compact.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. This act enacts into law components of legislation relating
to enacting the interstate massage therapy compact. The education law is
amended by adding a new section, 7808. The purpose of this compact is to
reduce the burden on State governments and to facilitate the interstate
practice and regulation of Massage Therapy with a goal to impress access
to the public.
Section two establishes the severability clause.
Section three states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Office of the Deputy under Secretary of Defense recommends this
legislation for the Military Community and Family Policy as part of
their top ten priorities for States, which are important for the quali-
ty-of-life issues for service members and families. New York is behind
when it comes to the adoption of these licensing requirements. Incon-
sistencies between states and the tack of portable employment opportu-
nities hinder military spouses' career growth. The anticipated outcome
is that states provide alternative certifications and enhance the
licensing procedures so that it fits the needs of working military fami-
lies. New York can achieve this by providing education and training
opportunities, reciprocal licensing agreements, and out-of-state licens-
ing recognition. This would ensure that military spouses are able to
practice their profession across state lines. According to the United
States Department of Defense-State Liaison Office, this legislation
aligns with the 'best practices' language that is given by the Depart-
ment of Defense to partner with States to support military families.
Uniformity for the Massage Therapy license will allow an increase in
these services to the public along with an opportunity for more people
to get a job in NYS. This bill would also ensure safe, competent, and
reliable services to the public. This legislation will also serve the
purpose of allowing people from other states to come and practice in New
York regardless of military status. This will expand the number of jobs
and people in this field. With New York joining this compact it wilt
also allow more people to have opportunities to use these services.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.7710/A.8173 Referred to Higher Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.