A proposal to limit teen access to tanning beds has divided Missouri House members over rival concerns about cancer and government mandates.
Legislation by Republican Rep. Gary Cross, of Lee's Summit, would require parental permission for anyone younger than 18 to use a tanning facility. His bill was amended Tuesday by Republican Rep. Jay Barnes, of Jefferson City, to also forbid anyone younger than 15 from using tanning equipment.
Supporters cited concerns that excessive tanning causes cancer. But some other Republicans said the bill represents excessive government intrusion on individual freedoms.
The legislation was set aside Tuesday without receiving a vote.
More than 30 states have laws requiring parental consent for teens to use tanning beds and more than 10 states forbid tanning beds for teenagers of certain ages.