Earlier today, The Oregon state Senate repassed House Bill 2896, which prohibits teenagers under the age of eighteen from using tanning bed facilities without a note from a physician.
The bill was sponsored by senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward.
In Early March, the Oregon House passed the bill.
But later the Senate decided to allow seveteen-year-olds to use commercial tanning beds with parental consent.
The House did not concur with this amendment, and brought the bill back in its original form to the senate this morning, where it passed.
KBOO’s Audrey Davis has more:
Advocates of the bill argue that seventeen-year-olds are the highest users of tanning beds under the age of eighteen.
Supporters also note that the F-D-A classified commercial tanning beds as a level one carcinogen, putting it in the same category as tobacco and arsenic.
Senator Tim Knopp (Ken-Ohp) claims that the bill will only put children in more danger.
<Play Knopp audio: “Well teenagers are going to continue to tan…”>
Senator Fred Girod (Gee-Rod) argues that the power to grant permission should remain in the hands of the parent rather than physician.
<Play Girod audio: “Now we say physicians….”>
While both sides agreed on the central issue of the bill, supporters note that parents do not have the proper education to keep their children out of harm from tanning.
Senator Alan Bates spoke this morning in favor of the bill.
<Play Bates audio: “There are issues here where parents don’t take the proper care of their kids…”>
Senator Steiner Hayward and carrier of the bill concluded the discussion with this statement.
<Play Steiner Hayward audio: “Parents have not been well educated…”>
Ultimately the bill passed and will now go to the governor for his signature.
For KBOO News, I’m Audrey Davis.
- KBOO