Family members and friends of people who died from melanoma due to tanning-bed use were among those on each side of the Governor as he signed Senate Bill 6065 yesterday. The measure sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, requires users of ultraviolet tanning equipment to be 18 years old or older, unless a physician has prescribed tanning-bed use for a medical condition.

“This bill was needed to help protect our children under the age of 18 from an increased risk of melanoma,” said King, who represents the 14th Legislative District. “Young people do not understand the possible damage they are doing to their skin when they use a tanning bed, especially since the effect may not be known for years. I’m hopeful other Washington families, such as those present yesterday, will not have to go through this kind of needless tragedy,” said King.

“I fought for this legislation for two years. After listening to the testimony of Dermatologists, family members and individuals dealing with melanoma, I became even more resolved to see this bill signed into law. I’m pleased we were able to finally reach an agreement with tanning-industry representatives and the medical community this year,” King added.

Tanning facilities will require proof of age and be subject to a $250 fine for allowing individuals under 18 to unlawfully use their tanning beds. King hopes the law will go a long way toward educating our youth about the dangers associated with underage tanning.

Washington is now one of seven states that ban the use of tanning beds by children and at least 33 states and the District of Columbia regulate the use of tanning facilities for those under the age of 18, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Frequent exposure to UV rays increases the risk of developing melanoma – the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer – by 75 percent for people younger than 35 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.