Bill would prohibit anyone under 18 from using tanning beds in Wisconsin

MADISON — All children would be barred from using tanning beds in Wisconsin under a bill moving through the state Legislature.

State law already prohibits anyone 16 or younger from using tanning beds. Senator Fred Risser's proposal would extend that ban to anyone under 18.

The Madison Democrat, who spearheaded legislation creating a statewide smoking ban, says minors don't realize that tanning could lead to skin cancer later in life.

John Overstreet is executive director of the Indoor Tanning Association. He says the bill could hurt salons' bottom lines. He says concerns about cancer are exaggerated and the government should stay out of the industry.

The bill faces long odds in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Risser introduced an identical measure last year but it went nowhere.