Regulatory & Legislative Issues

Introduced in 2007, HB 4146 seeks to require parental consent for anyone under age 18 that wants to tan indoors. In addition, the bill proposes posting larger warning signs listing potential health risks in salons and that an annual signed informed consent form be utilized for all customers.

LB 1163 was introduced on Jan. 23, 2008 and seeks to require additional warning signs and parental consent for tanners under age 19.

Introduced in 2007, A 9322 seeks to require further labeling on tanning beds regarding the dangers of skin cancer.

Similar to anti-tanning legislation in other states, Ohio HB 230 seeks to amend state regulations (which currently require parental consent for tanners under age 18) to completely disallow minors to tan unless they provide a medical prescription for ultraviolet radiation treatments. This bill will add an overly-restrictive measure to the already-effective and well-enforced regulations in Ohio, and the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) is working hard to defeat the bill before it has a chance to gain momentum.

To do your part, visit www.theita.com and click on "Help Defeat The Ohio Under 18 Ban" link to access a pre-formatted letter of opposition. Then simply select either the salon owner/employee version—Oppose HB 230 Support Small Business—or the customer version—Parents Opposed to HB 230—and personalize the message. Once finished, click the submit button and the program will direct the e-mail to your state representative, senator or governor.

Introduced in 2007, S 406 seeks to ban tanning under age 14 and will require all minors 14 to 18 years of age to be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian in order to use a tanning device.

HB 1128 seeks to ban all customers under age 18, require a written warning statement, have a trained operator present at the tanning facility during operating hours, impose additional warning signs and mandate that salons obtain a permit. The bill also prohibits tanners under age 14 from using a tanning device without a written order from a physician licensed in this state and without being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for every use of the tanning facility.