California Bans Minors From Using Tanning Beds

RIVERSIDE, CA - APRIL 10: Professional BMX rider Cory Nastazio goes to the tanning salon in Riverside, California on April 10, 2002. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Minors in California will be barred from using commercial tanning beds under a new bill signed into law late Sunday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Previously, minors aged 14 and older were able to receive services at California tanning salons if they had parental permission. For the first time in any American state, the new law will prohibit anyone under 18 from accessing ultraviolet tanning devices in commercial premises in California.

The bill, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, was supported by the American Cancer Society and medical associations, but opposed by the Indoor Tanning Association, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) said the bill provided an important protection to the state's teens, many of whom were unaware of the risks of tanning.

"If everyone knew the true dangers of tanning beds, they'd be shocked," Lieu said.

The bill was one of 140 that Brown signed into law ahead of a midnight Sunday deadline for passing or vetoing legislation in 2011.

The governor also approved measures that required health insurers to provide coverage for autism and allowed children aged 12 and over to receive sexual health care without parental consent.

Brown struck down bills to legalize industrial hemp and to ban the practice of shackling pregnant inmates.

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