Missouri teens younger than 17 would need parental consent to use tanning machines that emit ultraviolet rays under legislation passed by the state House.
The measure would penalize tanning salons $500 every time they provide services to teenagers without parental consent. State health officials would be charged with developing a standardized consent form for parents to use.
Sponsoring Republican Rep. Gary Cross, of Lee's Summit, says the bill would protect children from exposure to ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer. Opponents countered the bill was a harmful government regulation that could put tanning salons out of business.
The House voted 98-46 on Thursday to send the bill to the Senate.
