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Minnesota Becomes Eighth State to Ban Indoor Tanning for Teens

MN State Capitol - teen tanning ban

The months-long debate over teen tanning in Minnesota ended on May 23 when Governor Mark Dayton signed HF2402 into law. Effective August 1, 2014:

– No one under the age of 18 may use a commercial indoor tanning facility in Minnesota.

– All tanning facilities must prominently display a sign to that effect.

– Tanning facility owners/operators who violate the law are subject to a misdemeanor penalty as determined by a judge.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association commended the approval of the bill in Consumer Affairs, pointing out that “dermatologists contend the risk for developing melanoma increases by 59% in people who use indoor tanning devices, and the risks increase with each subsequent use.”

In March, Coolibar (based in Minneapolis, MN) visited the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul for a day of lobbying on behalf of the bill then known as the Minnesota Skin Cancer Prevention Act (SF 1901). This effort was in conjunction with the American Cancer Society – Cancer Action Network.

Here is an updated list of US states that either prohibit indoor tanning or are considering it:

  • Louisiana – just passed a law banning the use of tanning beds by anyone under 18
  • Pennsylvania – Just passed a law prohibiting tanning bed use by anyone under 16
  • Indiana – Just passed a law banning the use of tanning beds for those 16 & under
  • Nebraska – Prohibits tanning bed use by anyone under 16
  • Washington – Bans the use of tanning beds for anyone under 18
  • California – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Illinois – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Nevada – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Texas – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Oregon – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Connecticut – Bans tanning bed use for those under 17
  • New Jersey – Bans tanning bed use for those under 17
  • Vermont – Bans tanning bed use for those under 17
  • Wisconsin – Bans tanning bed use for those under 16
  • Hawaii – Bill recently passed in state legislature would prohibit tanning bed use by anyone under 18
  • Missouri – Law would prohibit tanning bed use by anyone under 17

About 15 other US states have some form of restriction, such as a parental consent requirement, for teens using indoor tanning equipment.

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