Chris Christie Signs Ban on Tanning Bed Use By Minors

Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation that bars anyone under 17 from using tanning beds in New Jersey and anyone under 14 from getting a spray tan.

But the measure signed Monday night does allow 17-year-olds to use a tanning salon, provided their parent or guardian accompanies them to their first visit and gives their consent.

The legislation was developed after a northern Jersey mom was charged with child endangerment in April 2012 for allegedly bringing her then-5-year-old daughter into a tanning booth. But a grand jury declined to indict the woman in February.

In a signing statement that accompanied the bill, Christie cited the "documented and well-understood" risks associated with the misuse of indoor tanning systems as a main reason for signing the legislation.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)