Youth indoor tanning ban passed

Nebraskans younger than 16 will need a parent’s signature before using a tanning bed under a bill passed March 24.

LB132, introduced by Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, prohibits indoor tanning facilities in Nebraska from allowing people younger than 16 to use tanning equipment. The prohibition applies to sun lamps, tanning booths and tanning beds.

An exception is provided if a parent or legal guardian signs a statement at the facility before each use indicating an understanding of the warnings provided by the facility and consenting to the minor’s use of tanning equipment.

The bill requires tanning facilities to post a warning sign in a conspicuous location outlining the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. An owner or operator of a tanning facility found to be in violation of the bill’s provisions will be subject to a civil penalty of $100.

The bill also adds a tanning facility owner to the state Board of Cosmetology.

Senators approved LB132 on a 40-1 vote.