Albany, NY - August 17, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (A.07218/S.5585-A), banning children under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning facilities.
"We have long known the dangers of indoor tanning and the devastating health risks that go along with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays," Governor Cuomo said. "By further limiting our children from exposing themselves to this health risk, we can stop the spread of preventable disease and help save lives."
Under current law, children age 17 and over are permitted to use indoor tanning facilities without parental consent, significantly increasing the risk for skin cancer among this population. This bill will prohibit children under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning facilities in an effort to protect additional individuals from the harmful effects of UV exposure.
Senator Phil Boyle said, "It is indisputable that tanning devices and UV exposure place users at the highest risk for skin cancer, made worse for those who begin tanning indoors at a young age. With so much misleading and ill-informed information regarding indoor tanning, we cannot expect 17-year-olds to make the right decisions when it comes to the risk and dangers involved in this practice. I commend Governor Cuomo for signing this bill in the best interest of teens across the state."
Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee said, "As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Children and Families, protecting our children's health and safety is a top priority. By prohibiting 17-year-olds from using tanning facilities, my bill will help prevent these children from making uninformed decisions, and reduce the serious and sometimes deadly health risks that have been well documented by medical experts. I thank the Governor for supporting and signing my bill into law and for his commitment to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers."