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.