Assemblymen Fred Scalera, Gary Schaer, and Herb Conaway, M.D.

SENATE PASSES BILL CURTAILING MINORS’ ACCESS TO COMMERCIAL TANNING SALONS

Measure to Prohibit Use by Minors Under 14;Require Parental Consent for Minors Under 18

(TRENTON) -- The Senate today gave final legislative approval to legislation Assemblyman Fred Scalera, Gary Schaer, and Herb Conaway, M.D. sponsored to restrict juvenile access to tanning booths and other artificial tanning devices.

The measure (A-2936) would prohibit minors under the age -- 14 from using tanning facilities and require minors between age 14 and 18 to present written parental consent before using commercial tanning beds or other tanning devices.

"The rising incidences of skin cancer are a wake up call for young and old alike," said Scalera (D-Essex/Passaic/Bergen). "We need to protect kids who don't fully understand how vulnerable they are to developing skin cancer when they are thinking only of catching rays. There is no such thing as a safe tan."

The bill would require tanning facilities to post a sign in the reception area to make patrons aware of the law. Tanning facilities that violate the act would be subject to fines of $100 for the first offense and $200 for each subsequent offense.

"We must protect our young people from the health risks of tanning beds, booths, and sun lamps," said Schaer (D-Essex/Passaic/Bergen). "Young people are impressionable. Teenagers often fail to realize the dangers of exposure to UV rays during sunless tanning."

The bill would allow emancipated minors to use a tanning facility without parental permission.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds, or sun lamps can cause skin cancer. Sunburn caused during moderate tanning has been associated with skin cancer, damage to the immune system, and premature aging of the skin.

"Damage to the skin during childhood and teenage years is irreversible," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden) one of two practicing physicians in the Legislature. "Children and teenagers should be protected -- exposure to UV rays now can cause tomorrow's melanoma."

Sunburn is linked to two types of ultraviolet radiation, Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B. UVA rays which are produced by tanning facilities have the deepest penetration and have been linked to malignant melanoma. The number of cases of melanoma is rising in the U.S., with an estimated 38,300 cases and 7,300 deaths anticipated this year.

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage people to avoid the use of tanning beds and sun lamps.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology there are currently 27 states which have passed laws to restrict the use of tanning facilities by minors.

The bill passed 35 to 0. It now heads to the Governor, who may sign it, veto it, or modify it in the form of a conditional veto.

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FOR RELEASE:
June 19, 2006
CONTACT:
Assemblyman Scalera
(973) 667-4431
Assemblyman Schaer
(973) 249-3665
Assemblyman Conaway
(856) 461-3997
Alescia Teel
(609) 292-7065