Lawmakers propose teen tan ban
Updated: February 19, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- Tanning for teens could soon be illegal in Illinois. Some lawmakers are pushing for a ban. They say it's just too dangerous.
"Very fun-loving. vivacious, smart," that's how Pam Armstrong remembers her daughter, Sara. The 31-year-old passed away from skin cancer a few years ago. "She was married and a mother of twin boys."
Sara used to go tanning; something Pam is now completely against. She says it's too risky and wants to see a ban for teens. It looks like she's not the only one. Some state lawmakers want to make it illegal too.
A new proposal would ban anyone under 18 from using tanning beds. It wouldn't matter if a parent signs a waiver saying it's okay. That would also be illegal.
"I hope it passes, and the reason I hope it passes is because life is precious. Melanoma doesn't respect people," said Pam.
Corie Grider also supports the teen tan ban.
"Teenagers are going to find a way to do what they want, and I was one of those teenagers," she said.
Grider started tanning when she was 15. She's been diagnosed with skin cancer twice. "I've been in remission for just over a year. I still go see my doctors all the time, but, yeah, I just am always aware of what's on my skin," she said.
Critics say the government shouldn't be deciding what people can and can't do. Some owners of tanning salons worry how the ban will impact business.
There are two bills calling for similar bans. To learn more about them, visit:
http://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=188&GAID=12&GA=98&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=69238&SessionID=85
http://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=2244&GAID=12&GA=98&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=73835&SessionID=85
"Very fun-loving. vivacious, smart," that's how Pam Armstrong remembers her daughter, Sara. The 31-year-old passed away from skin cancer a few years ago. "She was married and a mother of twin boys."
Sara used to go tanning; something Pam is now completely against. She says it's too risky and wants to see a ban for teens. It looks like she's not the only one. Some state lawmakers want to make it illegal too.
A new proposal would ban anyone under 18 from using tanning beds. It wouldn't matter if a parent signs a waiver saying it's okay. That would also be illegal.
"I hope it passes, and the reason I hope it passes is because life is precious. Melanoma doesn't respect people," said Pam.
Corie Grider also supports the teen tan ban.
"Teenagers are going to find a way to do what they want, and I was one of those teenagers," she said.
Grider started tanning when she was 15. She's been diagnosed with skin cancer twice. "I've been in remission for just over a year. I still go see my doctors all the time, but, yeah, I just am always aware of what's on my skin," she said.
Critics say the government shouldn't be deciding what people can and can't do. Some owners of tanning salons worry how the ban will impact business.
There are two bills calling for similar bans. To learn more about them, visit:
http://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=188&GAID=12&GA=98&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=69238&SessionID=85
http://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=2244&GAID=12&GA=98&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=73835&SessionID=85
