Rep. Warren files bill in North Carolina House to establish interstate massage compact

A new bill filed by State Rep. Harry Warren seeks to reduce regulatory burdens and improve public access and safety in massage therapy through multistate cooperation, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 693 on April 2 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Interstate Massage Compact.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes the Interstate Massage Compact, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens and enhance public access and safety in massage therapy services by facilitating interstate practice and regulation. A multistate licensing program is introduced, allowing licensed massage therapists to practice across participating states while subject to each state’s regulations and disciplinary actions. The Compact promotes cooperation among states, aids military families, and combats human trafficking and licensure fraud. It creates an Interstate Commission to administer the Compact, which includes implementing a data system for managing licensee information and coordinating joint investigations. The Compact becomes effective upon enactment by at least seven states, after which the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy can enact necessary rules.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Warren proposed the most bills (23) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Warren graduated from Kent State University in 1972 with a BA.

Warren, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 76th House district, replacing previous state representative Carl Ford.