As of the beginning of April, the success rate for local business owners fighting age restrictions at the state level is considerably improved over a year ago. Bills in seven states – Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota and Virginia – are all dead.
While still not out of the woods, a full court press by business owners Steve Scott and Wade Ranard may be paying off. Scott and Wade seem to have convinced the American Suntanning Association to back off public support for the ban. This may be enough to stall the legislation. In New Hampshire, Bob Ashe and Dana Pierce seem to have slowed a proposed ban but proponents are still pushing hard for passage.
In North Carolina, businesses that would be affected by a proposed teen tan ban have pooled resources to hire a local lobbyist to fight the ban and the ITA is coordinating the effort. This battle will stretch into the summer.
Businesses in California may be subject to licensing, inspection and several other requirements if Assembly Bill A.1464 passes. So much for the theory that once they ban teen tanning, which California did two years ago, the state will leave the industry alone.
There is disagreement between the Democratic House and Republican Senate regarding a proposed teen tan ban in Maine: the House passed the bill and the Senate rejected it. Last year, a ban passed the legislature but was vetoed by the Republican governor as “government over-reach.” This fight is far from over.
Here is a list and the status of all state bills. Email admin@theita.com for current information. ■
| State | Bill Number | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | HB2493 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Florida | S376 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Iowa | S40 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Iowa | SBB1038 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Maine | SP57 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Maryland | HB56 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Maryland | S152 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Massachusetts | SD1565 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Mississippi | S.2042 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Mississippi | H673 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Montana | H130 | Parental Consent |
| Montana | SB125 | Under – 18 Ban |
| New Hampshire | H136 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Oklahoma | SB508 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Oklahoma | HB1471 | Under – 18 Ban |
| South Dakota | HB1166 | Under – 18 Ban |
| Virginia | SB479 | Under – 15 Ban, Parental Consent |
WORLD TANNING EXPO UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2015
COLUMBUS, OH
Registration is now open, so log on at tanningworldexpo.com and join the crowd!
All ITA members receive discounted rates for exhibit space and floor badges – admission to the show floor is only $49. To make sure you receive the discount, join or renew your ITA membership.
Because the ITA Board has made salon membership more affordable than ever, only $10/month/store ACH or $150/store by check or credit card, there is no good reason not to join your industry’s Association and take advantage of this great deal. For more info, visit theita.com or email admin@theita.com.
Please keep in mind there will be no added charges for breakout sessions – $49 gives you access to everything including the Friday night party! Don’t miss the terrific low rates on two of the hotels connected to the Convention Center. We’ve reserved rooms at the Hyatt for $142 (DO) and at the Crown Plaza for only $130 (DO). Links for these hotels are on the website, as well.
It’s Oktoberfest! On September 25-27, the 50th Annual Columbus Oktoberfest will take place at the Ohio State Fairgrounds! There will be parties with food, beer, wine, dancing and entertainment until midnight Friday and Saturday nights, all held under 100,000 square feet of covered space. Admission is free and it is only 2.5 miles from the Convention Center to the Oktoberfest site.
You don’t need any more reasons to attend the ITA World Tanning Expo this fall!
Thanks,
John Overstreet
