Restricts the use of tanning facilities by persons under eighteen years of age

1 Co-sponsor

• Ginny Fields

BILL NUMBER:A9211

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to restricting the use of tanning facilities by persons under eighteen years of age

Purpose

OF THE BILL: This bill would require that a person under the age of eighteen be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using a tanning facility.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends section 3555 of the public health law by requiring that a parent or guardian accompany a person under eighteen when using a tanning facility.

Section 3 is amended by stating that the parent or guardian must sign a written statement acknowledging that they have read the warnings required by the section.

Section 4 is amended by allowing a person fourteen to eighteen years of age may be permitted to use a tanning device without accompaniment by a parent or guardian if such person has written recommendation from a medical doctor stating that use of the tanning device is for medical treatment.

Justification

There is a growing concern over the safety of tanning beds and the dangerous effects on young persons. By requiring that the parent or guardian of the minor be present when using a tanning device ensures unequivocal consent from the parent to allow their child to use tanning beds. Mandating that the parent read and sign the written warn- ings will also ensure that the parent and the child are making an informed decision to use the potentially harmful devices.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications for state

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall become law.