House passes tanning-bed restrictions for minors, 39-30

The House has voted 39-30 in favor of HB 486a, the tanning-bed bill; now that it’s passed the House, the measure moves to a Senate committee.

Opponents included Rep. Erik Simpson, R-Idaho Falls, who said, “We’re in essence requiring an owner to put down the product, the very product that he is marketing. … We’re suppressing their 1st Amendment rights.” Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, said, “In my particular legislative district, I have spoken with a tanning salon who has asked me not to support this legislation.”

Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, said, “Yes, it does require that tanning bed operators tell the truth about their product.” He said, “Sixty people died of melanoma last year. … We’re going to see more melanoma before we see less. … So I think this is a good bill. It protects kids, it allows parental consent, and … it will save lives.”