Senate adopts restrictions on minors’ tanning after heated debate; parental-consent compromise prevails

The Utah Senate passed the fifth substitute to Senate Bill 41, a measure restricting minors’ access to tanning facilities, after extended debate over parental-consent rules and health risks.

Senator Howard Jones, sponsor of the substitute, told colleagues the bill focuses on protecting children from ultraviolet exposure and melanoma. "UV radiation is a known human carcinogen that's emitted from tanning beds," Jones said, citing evidence that tanning before age 30 increases melanoma risk. She described the substitute as a compromise that "puts the parents in charge and gives them informed consent each time" a minor uses a tanning device.

Senator Jason Stevenson moved a competing sixth substitute that would keep the current system of a once-yearly parental signature but require a state-issued form and prominent warnings, including photographs of skin lesions. Stevenson argued the annual-signature approach reduces an "onerous burden on the part of parents who are informed and wish to allow their children to use tanning facilities." He said the revision aimed to provide useful information without requiring a parent to accompany a child every visit.

Lawmakers split over whether repeated in-person consent is necessary to ensure parental awareness or whether improved, state-standardized warnings and an annual form would be sufficient. Senator Romero and Senator Robles opposed the sixth substitute, saying the fifth substitute better preserves parental accountability and the protections advocated by melanoma survivors; Senator Madsen spoke in favor of the sixth substitute, emphasizing parental discretion.

The Senate rejected the motion to adopt the sixth substitute in a roll-call division (9 yea, 18 nay, 2 absent) and then proceeded with the fifth substitute. The final recorded vote for the fifth substitute and passage of SB41 was 18 yea, 9 nay, 2 absent. The bill will be forwarded to the House for further action.

Supporters framed the measure as a public-health protection for minors; opponents contended the in-person requirement for each visit is an excessive burden for responsible parents and that an improved annual-warning form could achieve similar awareness. The fifth substitute as adopted keeps in-person parental involvement as the standard for minors seeking tanning services.

The Senate did not have a fiscal note on the fifth substitute at the time of debate; sponsors said one had been requested and was in process. The bill’s language also includes standardized warnings and logo requirements to ensure consistent information is provided when parents sign consent.

Next step: SB41 will be sent to the Utah House for its consideration and any further action there.