New York Gov. George Pataki signed Senate Bill 2602C into law Aug. 16, instituting statewide tanning salon restrictions and prohibits minors under age 14 from tanning indoors. The bill requires individuals over age 18 to provide proof of age and a signed warning statement. A consent form to tan is required for minors ages 14 to 18 and must be signed by a guardian in the presence of a tanning salon operator. The consent form is valid for one year.
Additionally, New York’s Rockland County Legislature passed the Rockland County Tanning and Information Regulation Act Aug. 2. Under the local law, residents under age16 are not permitted to use any tanning equipment. Residents between ages 16 and 18 are permitted to use tanning equipment only with parental consent, and only for a specified number of treatments. The consent must be renewed monthly. Tanning facilities also will be required to post a warning sign about the risks of tanning at the front or main entrance visible to patrons.
As of press time, the majority of state legislative sessions already had adjourned; however, a few states are still in session. The following bills were still active as of pres time:
Pennsylvania Bill HB548 was referred to the Public Health and Welfare Committee on July 18. This bill requires written warning statements, signed parental consent for minors ages 14 to 18, and requires minors age 14 and under to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Michigan House Bill 4580 was introduced March 24, 2005 and would require tanners to sign a written statement at least once annually to be retained by the tanning facility for a minimum 12-month period. For minors under age 18, the statement must be signed by the minor’s parent or legal guardian. The bill also gives specifications for injury reports. The bill remains in the Committee on Health Policy.
