Tanning ban for minors in La. nears final passage

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Both the House and Senate have agreed to prohibit anyone under the age of 18 in Louisiana from using a tanning bed.

The Senate voted 37-0 Wednesday to support the House-backed measure. The bill by New Orleans Rep. Helena Moreno, a Democrat, is one step from final passage, needing House approval of a technical change.

Supporters say the ban would lower risks of skin cancer associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds.

At least five states - California, Illinois, Nevada, Texas and Vermont - ban the use of tanning beds for minors, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

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House Bill 746 can be found at www.legis.la.gov