The Missouri General Assembly has approved requiring parental consent for anyone under the age of 17 to use tanning beds.
Representative Gary Cross (R-Lee’s Summit) has worked for four sessions to pass legislation restricting the use of tanning beds by minors. (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)
The proposal would penalize businesses that let customers under 17 use tanning beds without annual, written parental or guardian consent. It establishes a tiered system of up to $500 fines for first, second and additional offenses.
Backers like Representative Sharon Pace (D-St. Louis) say the bill helps protect young people from skin cancer.
“We do need protections, especially for children … younger generations,” says Pace.
Representative Keith Frederick (R-Rolla) says parents need to be paying attention to what their children are doing with their bodies.
“This [bill] allows parents to have some voice over whether their children expose themselves to carcinogens,” says Frederick.
The proposal, HB 1411, has been sent to Governor Jay Nixon (D).
