Tanning Bill Gets an Overhaul

The proposal for a full tanning ban for anyone under the age of 18 in New Jersey is no longer. The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee voted on a compromise today that is drastically different than the bill approved weeks ago by the full Assembly.

The original measure would have banned anyone younger than 18 from using a tanning bed; parental permission would not matter. Under the compromise measure, the ban would only apply to 14 and 15 year olds. With parental consent, 16 and 17 year olds could utilize tanning booths. Parents would need to be present for any purchase of tanning sessions.

Also, under the newly-agreed upon measure, minors would be prohibited from tanning on consecutive days. Tanners' visits would be monitored by the salons.

Enforcement would spike largely for New Jersey businesses that act in violation of the measure. Fines would jump from $100 to $1000 for a first offense, from $200 to $2000 for a second offense, and a third offense would warrant a five-day suspension.

"While the original teen tan bill was a major overreach by the government, this compromise works," said volunteer members of the New Jersey Indoor Tanning Association.

New Jersey salon owners sharply criticized the bill that recently sailed through the Assembly, saying it not only takes away parents' rights, but also means a big hit to business.

The revised bill must now go back to the Assembly for consideration.