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.
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.