The Missouri House has given first-round approval to legislation that would require most teenagers to get their parents’ permission to use tanning beds. Those younger than 17 would have to have a parent or guardian show up in person at the tanning salon and sign a document giving their consent.
The bill’s sponsor, GOP House Member Gary Cross of Lee’s Summit, says his daughter suffered cell damage from regular tanning bed use.
“She went to a university, a Big 12 school, on the dance team," Cross said. "Her senior year she was diagnosed with pre-cancer cells…they had caught two other girls with pre-cancer cells also…she did not have melanoma, but for the rest of her life she’s vulnerable to melanoma.”
Opponents argued that government has no business regulating parental consent for legal activities. The bill needs one more vote by the full House before moving over to the Senate.