Lawmakers Debate Tanning Laws

Bill would ban anyone under 18 from using a tanning facility.

State lawmakers could soon take up a bill that would change the state's tanning salon law.

Under the proposal, anyone under 18 would not be able to use a tanning device at a tanning facility.

If salons don't comply, they could be fined up to $100 for knowingly allowing a person under 18 to use a tanning bed without written consent from a parent or guardian.

Right now, state law requires people under 16 to obtain consent.

Lauren Hurd wishes the proposed bill would have been in place years ago. She was diagnosed with melanoma, a skin cancer, when she was just 22.

As a carefree college student, she had a fierce love for tanning and would get in the tanning bed several times a week.

"You just have these 20 minutes to zone out and relax. I would say I was addicted," Hurd said.

She was diagnosed at a very early stage and was able to have surgery to remove the cancerous mole completely.

Now at 25 and cancer-free, Lauren is turning her personal battle into a crusade against teen tanning.

She plans to testify before the public health committee on a bill that would ban tanning salons from catering to those under 18 years of age without parental consent.

The proposed bill is meeting resistance from business owners and lawmakers. 

“This is yet another example of our state government looking to penalize small business,” Republican State Senator Rob Kane of Watertown said.

Lauren disagrees and believes it’s a matter of life and death.

“It would be beneficial to a lot of young men and women to get the word out there about the seriousness of cancer,” Hurd said.

The bill is expected to be voted on as soon as Friday.
 

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