A bill for an act relating to the regulation of tanning facilities, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 524.)
Summary
HF 116 would prohibit tanning facilities in Iowa from allowing anyone under 18 years of age to use a tanning device. The bill creates a new section in Iowa Code chapter 136D governing tanning facilities and establishes a clear age-based restriction on indoor tanning for minors.
The measure is primarily a public health and consumer protection bill. Its purpose is to limit minors’ exposure to tanning devices, which are associated with health risks, and to place responsibility on tanning facilities to verify age and comply with the prohibition.
Impact
The bill would amend Iowa law by adding section 136D.3A to prohibit tanning facilities from serving customers under 18. Violations would be enforceable by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, with available remedies including civil penalties of up to $1,000 and injunctive relief to stop ongoing violations. The practical effect would fall on tanning salons and other regulated tanning facilities, which would need to implement age-screening and compliance procedures for customers.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was not controversial in committee, as the House Committee on State Government reported it unanimously 22-0. There are no committee transcripts provided showing debate or opposition, and the bill was ultimately withdrawn rather than enacted. Overall, the recorded sentiment appears supportive or at least noncontentious at the committee stage.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s structure, any potential concerns would likely center on enforcement burdens for tanning facilities, age-verification practices, and the scope of state regulation of a lawful consumer service. However, the available record does not show named opponents or substantive objections.
A bill for an act relating to animal feeding operations, by providing for the regulation of anaerobic digester systems, providing fees, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 989.)
A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 2646.)