Mo. House OKs parental consent for tanning

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Children younger than 17 would need parental consent to use tanning machines that emit ultraviolet rays at salons under legislation advanced by the Missouri House.

The bill given first-round approval Tuesday would penalize tanning salons $500 for providing services to children without parental consent. Those who use a tanning device without consent would face a $50 fine.

The legislation needs another affirmative House vote before moving to the Senate.

Republican Gary Cross, of Lee's Summit, sponsored the House bill. Some of his GOP colleagues criticized it as an expansion of government regulation.

Proponents say it would protect children from exposure to ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer.

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Tanning consent is HB47

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov