Panel clears bill allowing hybrid instruction for some massage therapy coursework

The House Sunset Committee released House Bill 420, which would modernize massage therapy licensure by allowing hybrid instruction for specified, non–hands-on coursework (for example, anatomy, ethics, and business) while keeping practical skills and clinical competencies in person. The presenter said the change is intended to expand access to training and support workforce growth in a fast-growing field.

The presenter noted Bureau of Labor Statistics projections that massage therapy employment is projected to grow 32% through 2030 and said hybrid programming would reduce commute burdens for students and cut costs. Committee members raised technical questions about draft language (headers and struck text) and whether the bill includes a statutory duty to report abuse; the Division of Professional Regulation indicated duty-to-report is not part of this bill and that some transitional language remains about phased certification categories.

Industry speakers representing Alpha School of Massage (Mackenzie Francis and Adam Jurgens) voiced support. Jurgens cited pass-rate data from campuses that implemented hybrid learning and argued hybrid instruction can maintain or improve outcomes while expanding access. After public comment, a motion to release HB 420 carried on roll call and the bill was released to the floor.