Wolfe Applauds New State Legislation on Teen Tanning
The Vice Chairman of the Rockland County Legislature Alden H. Wolfe applauded Governor Cuomo’s signing of legislation that will protect teens from the harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation by limiting access to indoor tanning facilities. The state law, signed on Monday, July 16, will prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by children less than 17 years old and will require parental consent for teens between the ages of 17 and 18 years old.
In 2006, Wolfe introduced the Rockland County Tanning and Information Regulation Act to prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by residents under the age of 16, requiring residents between the ages of 16 and 18 to obtain parental consent for a specific number of sessions, renewable on a monthly basis, and requiring the establishment to post signs warning of the potential health risks.
Although the county executive vetoed the law, the legislature overrode that veto. At the time, Wolfe’s law was one of the most restrictive in the nation.
“I’m grateful that Governor Cuomo and the Legislature recognized the serious health risks associated with ultraviolet tanning, particularly to children,” said Wolfe. “In 2006, Rockland County led the way in a nationwide movement to protect the safety and health of our children from what has since been classified by the World Health
Organization as a Group 1 Carcinogen."
When the state’s law takes effect in 30 days, it will supersede the Rockland County law.
