Nassau County (N.Y.) lawmakers on April 4 unanimously passed legislation requiring signed parental consent for tanners under 18 and requiring tanners under 16 to be accompanied by a parent.

One legislator told Newsday that the law was designed to protect young people from skin cancer. Another legislator called the 19-0 vote “a fine and noble deed,” according to the newspaper.

Suffolk County is considering similar legislation. Also, New York state currently is looking at two bills that would affect tanning.

Assembly Bill 1599 would provide for increased consumer safety standards for the use of ultraviolet tanning facilities. Of note, it would require consent of a parent or legal guardian for anyone under the age of 18. Also, A1599 would require equipment to comply with the standards in the code of federal regulations; provide standards for maintenance of equipment; and detail requirements for instruction, sanitation, protective goggles, warnings signs and statements, and record keeping. The bill was referred to the Health Committee on Jan. 21.

Introduced Feb. 23 and referred to the Health Committee, Senate Bill 2602 would require owners and employees receiving consent forms to be at least 18 years old. Also, it would ban minors under 14 from tanning and require written consent for minors 14-18.