Enacting the massage therapist licensure act to provide for regulation and licensing of massage therapists.

SB 253 establishes a licensing system for massage therapists in Kansas, requiring practitioners to meet specific education and examination standards to legally offer massage therapy services. It directly affects current and future massage therapists by mandating a minimum of 625 hours of training, passing a nationally recognized competency exam, and adhering to defined practice standards (excluding medical diagnoses or treatments like chiropractic care). Key provisions include creating a "massage therapist licensure act" with detailed definitions, setting up a state board to oversee licensing, and providing a grandfathering period through 2026 for existing practitioners who meet alternative criteria like prior experience or training. The bill updates Kansas' regulatory framework for massage therapy to ensure consistent professional standards and client safety.