Tag Archives: Tanning beds

State medical association names King ‘Legislator of the Year’

Sen. Curtis King’s work to protect young people from skin cancer has made him the Washington State Medical Association’s 2014 Legislator of the Year. Dr. Dale Reisner, association president, presented King, R-Yakima, with the honor at the WSMA annual meeting Saturday.

Earlier this year King shepherded Senate Bill 6065, which prohibits those younger than 18 from using tanning beds, through the legislative process. The new law, which took effect in mid-June, is aimed at reducing cases of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Continue reading →

Governor signs King bill to protect minors from dangers of tanning beds

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.

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Tanning bed legislation heading for a floor vote

Senate Bill 6065, my bill to protect children under the age of eighteen from the harmful effects of exposure to ultraviolet radiation associated with tanning devices, has received a public hearing and been approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor. It is now awaiting a vote by the full Senate, after which it would be considered again by the House of Representatives. Continue reading →

Keeping minors away from tanning beds

This is the second year I’ve proposed legislation aimed at making it more difficult for minors to use tanning beds. Study after study shows that this kind of UV exposure at such a young age can have devestating consequences later in life, including cancer.

I’ve been working with medical professionals such as dermatologists and others to spread the word around the capitol about this disturbing issue. I sincerely hope my bill is met with resounding support this session, and I’ll keep you apprised of its progress as it moves forward.