Two bills to ban indoor tanning for minors under the age of 18 have been referred to the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee. A 2867 would prohibit all persons under 18 years of age from using tanning facilities in the State. Current law allows emancipated minors and minors between 14 and 18 years of age who have written authorization of a parent or legal guardian to use tanning facilities. The penalty for breaking the law would be $100 for the first offense and $200 for each subsequent offense. A 2933 does the same thing, but contains a provision to allow minors aged 14 to 18 who obtain written parental consent to participate in spray tanning at indoor tanning facilities. A third bill, S 2119, is identical to A 2867 and is assigned to the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
Naomi Lawrence, MD