A legislative committee has approved a proposal that requires parental consent for minors to use indoor tanning beds at salons.
The House Health and Human Services Committee voted 8-5 on Thursday for the amended plan, which originally banned minors from using tanning facilities at all.
Republican Rep. Lana Greenfield of Doland says she thinks the proposal interferes with small businesses and requires something that’s already being done.
"I think these people showed us with some of the paperwork they gave us the other day that they are really trying to be compliant, they’re matching up skin tone, they’re getting consent. And I just think it’s ridiculous to try and control this any farther. They’re professionals in the field and I think we should let them be," says Greenfield.
Most tanning businesses already require parental consent for minors.
Republican Rep. Steve Hickey of Sioux Falls says he's concerned with the health effects of tanning. The American Cancer Society says indoor tanning increases the risk for skin cancer. A majority of committee members agree.
House Bill 11-66 goes next to the House Floor.