House OKs Teen Tanning Restrictions

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Getting their time in a tanning bed may soon be much harder for some teens.

The Texas House gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would require anyone under 16 and a half years old to get a doctor’s note before using a tanning bed. Older teens would need parental consent.

A previous version of the bill would have required doctors notes for anyone under 18.

There are tanning bed restrictions for minors in at least 29 states. Most require some kind of parental approval.

Currently only children under 13 need a doctor’s note in Texas. Older teens need permission from their parents.

Lawmakers in 17 states are pushing stronger restrictions for teens this year. Two in Mississippi and Arkansas have succeeded. An attempt in South Dakota failed.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)