Minors who want to use an indoor tanning salon would have to bring a parent with them, under a bill that is nearing final approval in the General Assembly. That prospect brought out some spirited discussion and some strong opinions in the Senate Tuesday.
The bill made its way toward final passage in the Senate, and has already cleared the House. But many wondered if the state should extend its reach into the world of tanning.
Sen. James Brochin, a Baltimore County Democrat, said he knows from previous experience as a tennis pro that the sun can be just as harmful as indoor tanning. Others, who supported the bill, said they were looking for less anecdotal evidence.
Minority Leader David Brinkley asked floor leader John Astle how the parental consent rules stack up to the state’s parental notification laws on abortion.
“I didn’t see anything in the bill about that,” Astle said, eliciting laughter throughout the chamber.
But Astle, in response to another question, outlined some comparable laws in states such as California, Florida, and Connecticut. He said the law would probably have the most significant effect in the arctic climes of southern New England, where there’s little sunlight and the days are short.
“The tanning [beds] are probably somewhat important up there, if you’re concerned about that look,” he said.
