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Government Relations Report:
May 23rd, 2026
Ann Boone, LMT
Government Relations Chair
We are continuing to monitor and be involved in ongoing discussions regarding amending the Jefferson County/Louisville Metro area human trafficking ordinance. There is much languaging to work out before amendments will be considered. There are many Jefferson County LMTs who are understandably confused and frustrated over this poorly thought out ordinance. The AMTA has been working with various lawmakers, Bob Babbage (AMTA lobbyist), the Kentucky Board for Licensed Massage Therapy and The Alliance of Licensed Massage Therapists of Greater Louisville to gather information. We would encourage all LMTs, especially those practicing in Jefferson County, to join their Facebook page in order to stay up-to-date on the most current status of this ordinance, help to form the most cohesive coalition and have your voice heard in the best manner possible for our profession. They have been having regular Zoom meetings and the last one in May was very well attended and many issues were clarified. The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, 5/26 at 7PM (EST). Link is on the FB page. There is much more to understand as well. It is important that, no matter how angry or frustrated one may be with the process, we continue to work with, not against, those administering this ordinance. If I have learned anything in the 8 years I have been AMTA-KY Government Relations chair it is that the lawmaking process is slow.
The Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) is the entity in charge of enforcement of this ordinance. The Jefferson County Health Department is working with the ABC to conduct random facility inspections, which are part of enforcement of this ordinance. The ABC has been tasked with enforcement of this ordinance as they already have systems and manpower in place to handle the demand that will be created. Most recent reports by LMTs who have been inspected to date have been largely positive and the inspectors were respectful and expedient. They are also very helpful with the process if you need assistance. Please go to this link to sign up and obtain more information: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/massage-facilities
Just a reminder: We are all required to display our licenses with pictures in our place of practice in the state of Kentucky regardless of this ordinance. These can be printed off the KBLMT website.
More discussion is also necessary to iron out and improve amendments proposed for both HB181 and SB132 (mentioned in my April 2026 AMTA Newsletter report). This will be worked on in the off-season in collaboration with AMTA National, AMTA-KY and Bob Babbage Founders group.
With regards to the ongoing animal massage certification development, KBLMT Vice Chair, Karen Frazier, has been in contact with Michelle Shane, Kentucky Board of Veterinarian Examiners (KBVE) Executive Director. Work is continuing to be done to move a certification forward in the 2027 legislative session as well. I’ll be speaking to Ms. Frazier to find out what is being proposed by KBVE.
We now look to 2027 and work to be done on all of the aforementioned bills, ordinances and proposals so that we are prepared to support those which are most beneficial to LMTs in Kentucky.
As always, I can be reached at: grchair@amtaky.org
In health,
Ann
Ann E. Boone, LMT
BCTMB, MLD-C
AMTA-KY GR Chair
Remember: Please continue to check the KBLMT website for any updates (bmt.ky.gov).
We will share updates as we receive them as well.
If you have any further questions, please contact Ann E. Boone, LMT at grchair@amtaky.org.
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