Members of the State Senate voted 40-8 Wednesday, approving a bill that would protect children under the age of eighteen from the harmful effects of exposure to ultraviolet radiation associated with tanning devices. Senate Bill 6065, sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, would require users of UV tanning equipment to present proof of age by presenting a driver’s license or other legal form of identification.

“It is difficult to hear about people dealing with cancer as a result of something they did in their teens,” said King, who represents the 14th Legislative District. “The state needs to implement some common-sense measures to prevent needless tragedies like this, and my bill will help protect kids from an increased risk of melanoma.”

In addition to requiring the proof of age identification, SB 6065 would also hit tanning facilities that allow individuals under age 18 with a $250 fine. It’s a first step, King says, toward hopefully educating our state’s youth about the dangers associated with underage tanning.

“This topic has been discussed for nearly five years in the Legislature and this year we’ve been able to reach an acceptable compromise with tanning industry representatives,” King added. “In fact, several voiced their support for the bill at the hearing, so I’m confident this much-needed measure will be met with approval in the House as well.”

King added that California, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, Vermont, and Oregon already ban the use of tanning beds for all minors under 18, and at least 33 states and the District of Columbia regulate the use of tanning facilities by minors, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Frequent exposure to ultraviolet rays for individuals under the age of 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma – the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer – by 75 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.