TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that would bar minors from going to tanning salons unless it is medically necessary.
Bill sponsor Eleanor Sobel, a Hollywood Democrat whose husband is a dermatologist, pointed to cancer risks from using tanning machines.
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"Our youngsters are going into these tanning booths looking to get a tan, and later on they wonder why they have melanomas, which are deadly cancers,'' said Sobel, who has tried to pass similar measures in the past.
Under current law, minors between 14 and 18 can use tanning machines with signed consent from their parents or guardians. Children under 14 must be accompanied by parents or guardians.
The Senate Health Policy Committee voted 6-1 to approve the bill (SB 414), which is filed for the 2016 session.
Chairman Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, voted against the bill.
"I'm leery of doing anything that I think could have a detriment to my health or my family's health. That's on one side,'' Bean said. "On the other side, I like freedom. I like choices."