SF0036 creates a new chapter in Wyoming law governing the use of the title “board certified music therapist.” The bill defines key terms, including “board certified music therapist,” “music therapy,” and the national certification board for music therapists. It makes it unlawful for a person to claim, advertise, or otherwise hold themselves out to the public as a board certified music therapist, or to use the initials “MT-BC” or similar wording or insignia implying that status, unless the person holds and maintains the appropriate board certification.
The bill also includes an express carveout stating that it does not prohibit a person from using music so long as they do not represent themselves as a board certified music therapist. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025. In practical terms, the measure is a title-protection law rather than a licensing law: it does not create a new state license for music therapists, but it does restrict who may use the protected professional title in Wyoming.
Impact
SF0036 adds W.S. 33-50-101 and 33-50-102 to Wyoming statutes, creating a new chapter on music therapists and establishing legal protection for the title “board certified music therapist.” It affects individuals and businesses offering music therapy services by limiting the public use of the protected title and related abbreviations to those with an active credential from the national certification board. The bill leaves general use of music untouched for non-credentialed persons, but it creates a statutory basis for enforcement against misleading professional claims.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had meaningful support but was not unanimous. It received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Labor Committee by a 3-1 vote and then passed third reading in the Senate by a narrower 17-13 margin. That pattern indicates the measure was generally supported as a professional title-protection bill, while still drawing some skepticism or opposition from a substantial minority.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether Wyoming should statutorily protect the title of a private professional credential and how far that protection should go. Supporters likely viewed the bill as a consumer-protection and professional-standards measure that prevents misleading claims about qualifications. Opponents may have been concerned about unnecessary regulation, the scope of title protection, or whether the state should be involved in policing a nationally issued credential. The bill’s exception allowing people to use music without claiming the protected title appears designed to address concerns that the law could be read too broadly.