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Apr 17
2009
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First Texas, now Arkansas.
Arkansas, like Texas, is one of more than a dozen states considering such bills. Texas also has bills that go a step further and require a doctor's note.
Currently, Texas is seeking approval on House Bill (HB) 1310, which restricts teens younger than 18 from using indoor tanning equipment.
While the politicians of Texas are pondering that law, Arkansas lawmakers are also working to restrict teen tanning. Governor Mike Beebe says he plans to sign a bill requiring salon owners to get waivers signed by parents for clients under 18.
For now Arkansas teens can walk into any salon and tan, provided they have their parents sign a waver before getting into a tanning bed.
The waiver will have warnings about the possible dangers of repeated exposure to indoor tanning. And Arkansas lawmakers are trying to raise awareness about tanning safety.
The bill, HB1920 is still waiting on Governor Beebe's signature. The bill applies to tanning salons, apartments and gyms any businesses offering the service. There is no penalty or enforcement for the requirement.
And like the bill in Texas, this bill is getting a strong reaction from both sides – the ones trying to enforce the law and the ones who oppose it: the teens and, not surprisingly, the tanning salon owners, who have said they alert all teens of the potential dangers of overexposure.
Persuading teens to stop tanning could be a hard sell as many are concerned about physical appearances at that age. Another factor is a teenager's quest for independence at that age. A law like this will take away that freedom, something teens value as they assert themselves in the world.
Texas legislators seem to be ignoring the fact that they're already well-known for outdoor tanning on their beaches. They're ignoring the most popular tanning method in favor of curtailing the business practices of local business owners.
Other states considering similar measures include Florida and Hawaii, two other very popular outdoor tanning locales.
To learn more about legislation in your state, contact your local government or visit the Indoor Tanning Association Web site .
Arkansas, like Texas, is one of more than a dozen states considering such bills. Texas also has bills that go a step further and require a doctor's note.
Currently, Texas is seeking approval on House Bill (HB) 1310, which restricts teens younger than 18 from using indoor tanning equipment.
While the politicians of Texas are pondering that law, Arkansas lawmakers are also working to restrict teen tanning. Governor Mike Beebe says he plans to sign a bill requiring salon owners to get waivers signed by parents for clients under 18.
For now Arkansas teens can walk into any salon and tan, provided they have their parents sign a waver before getting into a tanning bed.
The waiver will have warnings about the possible dangers of repeated exposure to indoor tanning. And Arkansas lawmakers are trying to raise awareness about tanning safety.
The bill, HB1920 is still waiting on Governor Beebe's signature. The bill applies to tanning salons, apartments and gyms any businesses offering the service. There is no penalty or enforcement for the requirement.
And like the bill in Texas, this bill is getting a strong reaction from both sides – the ones trying to enforce the law and the ones who oppose it: the teens and, not surprisingly, the tanning salon owners, who have said they alert all teens of the potential dangers of overexposure.
Persuading teens to stop tanning could be a hard sell as many are concerned about physical appearances at that age. Another factor is a teenager's quest for independence at that age. A law like this will take away that freedom, something teens value as they assert themselves in the world.
Texas legislators seem to be ignoring the fact that they're already well-known for outdoor tanning on their beaches. They're ignoring the most popular tanning method in favor of curtailing the business practices of local business owners.
Other states considering similar measures include Florida and Hawaii, two other very popular outdoor tanning locales.
To learn more about legislation in your state, contact your local government or visit the Indoor Tanning Association Web site .
