Ala Senate Votes to Regulate Tanning Beds

The Alabama Legislature is set to regulate the use of tanning salons by teens. The Alabama Senate voted 23-3 Thursday to give final approval to a tanning bed regulatory bill. It passed the House earlier this month 92-2. The bill prohibits children 14 and under from using tanning beds unless prescribed by a physician. 15-year-olds could get a tan if a parent is present and gives written permission. 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds could get a tan with written permission from a parent. The Senate sponsor of the bill, Republican Greg Reed of Jasper, says the goal of the bill is to educate parents about the dangers of children overusing tanning beds. The bill will take effect in six months if the governor signs it into law.