BILL ANALYSIS �
SB 746
Page 1
Date of Hearing: August 17, 2011
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Felipe Fuentes, Chair
SB 746 (Lieu) - As Amended: March 22, 2011
Policy Committee: JudiciaryVote:6-2
Business and Professions 6-1
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
Yes Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY
This bill amends the Filante Tanning Facility Act of 1988 to
prohibit minors (under age 18) from using commercial ultraviolet
tanning facilities.
FISCAL EFFECT
Potential minor costs to local enforcement agencies, offset to
some extent by penalty revenues. (A first violation of the Act
constitutes an infraction, and subsequent violations are
misdemeanors. Violations are also subject to civil penalties of
$2,500 per day.)
COMMENTS
1)Background and Purpose . Current law, as enacted by AB 105
(Lieu)/Chapter 590 of 2007, prohibits anyone under age 14 from
using ultraviolet tanning devices but permits minors age 14 to
18 to use such devices after obtaining written consent from a
parent or legal guardian. This bill eliminates consent
waivers and bans all persons under age 18 from using
ultraviolet tanning devices.
Cosmetically, tanning has become extremely popular with many
teenagers and young adults to the point that many are seeking
artificial sources of UV radiation to increase their tans.
Nearly one-quarter of all tanners are between the ages of 13
and 19, and studies suggest 35% of teenage girls tan
regularly.
SB 746
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Supporters (health-related organizations) state this measure
is needed to prevent the rapidly growing rate of skin cancer
cases among those 18 to 30 years old. Skin cancer is the most
common form of cancer in America, with more than two million
cases reported each year. The most common cause of skin cancer
is over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
2)Opposition . The Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) is opposed on
several grounds, including the negative economic impact on
this industry, which the ITA argues will translate to a
significant loss of state tax revenue. While this may be true
to some extent, it is likely indoor tanning by minors
currently represents spending of discretionary income that
will instead go elsewhere in the economy, with resulting
positive state revenue impacts.
Analysis Prepared by : Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081