Teens May Not Be Able To Use A Tanning Bed Under New Iowa Bill

The House passed it this week.

Many girls in my Millennial generation (and older) remember spending definitely more time than we should have in a tanning bed, likely with those tanning stickers on us.

Now, that could become challenging for teens in Iowa if their parents don't consent to it.

According to KWQC, the Iowa House passed a bill (HF 24) on Monday that would require anyone under 18 to get parental consent before jumping into a tanning bed. Tanning salons would also have to give parents a warning about skin cancer risks associated with UV tanning.

Some versions of the bill prohibit tanning bed use for minors overall. But this one has bipartisan support. It's sponsored by Rep. Hans Wilz (R, Ottumwa) but Rep. Josh Turek (D, Council Bluffs) called the bill "excellent" and voiced his support for it too:

Iowa, second highest rates of cancer, only state with a growing cancer rate, fifth highest rates of melanoma. 1600 new melanomas per year. We are one of only six states without any restrictions on this issue

During the House debate on Monday, Wilz told lawmakers there will be more cancer prevention-related bills coming to Iowa this year.

The bill will now go to the Iowa Senate for debate and consideration. If they pass it, it will go to Governor Reynolds' desk, where she will either sign or veto it.

According to UnityPoint Health, laying in a tanning bed before the age of 35 can increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma by 75%.