Temporary event license for visiting body artists amended, advanced

Lawmakers gave first-round approval Feb. 9 to a bill that would create a temporary event license for body artists visiting Nebraska from other states.

LB720, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Dan Quick, would require the state Department of Health and Human Services to create a temporary, nonrenewable event license for body artists licensed in other states to practice for no more than seven consecutive days at a Nebraska licensed body art facility.

Under the bill, an individual who applies for a temporary event license must provide a form of photo identification, a copy of their body art license and a sponsorship letter from the owner or operator of the licensed facility at which they will practice.

Temporary event licenses would cost $50 and the department would be authorized to conduct in-person inspections of the body art facility where an event will occur.

Quick said the state’s current licensing structure makes it difficult to attract tattoo conventions and specialty events to Nebraska, which results in a loss of revenue.

Offering a temporary event license would bring new dollars directly into the local economy and make Nebraska more competitive with other states that already provide a workable licensure pathway for visiting artists, he said.

“[LB720] supports small businesses, encourages tourism and positions Nebraska as a welcoming, well-regulated destination for body art events — all without compromising safety or increasing regulatory burdens,” Quick said.

A Health and Human Services Committee amendment, adopted 38-0, would allow body artists to obtain up to two temporary event licenses within a 12-month period.

Senators advanced LB720 to select file on a 38-0 vote.