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February 20, 2012 in Idaho
Idaho lawmakers look to ban kids from tanning beds
BOISE - After two days of emotional testimony from melanoma survivors and dermatologists, an Idaho House committee today approved legislation to ban minors from using tanning beds in the state.
“Tanning in tanning beds is a known cancer-causing condition,” Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, a retired physician, told the conservative House Health and Welfare Committee. Those who use tanning beds, he said, “might look toasty for a few days, but the downside can be a fatal cancer, and it’s totally preventable.”
Lawmakers heard hours of heartfelt testimony in favor of the bill, and also heard from a handful of lobbyists who opposed it.
Jerry Deckard, lobbyist for the Idaho Indoor Tanning Association, told the committee, “A 17-year-old can drive a car,” with all the risks of driving, “and yet you would not be able to get a sun tan.”
Wayne Hoffman of the Idaho Freedom Foundation told the panel that next, the government will fine parents who let their children outside without sunscreen. Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, bridled. “Could you show me in the bill where it shows you can’t let your kids out in the sunshine?” he asked Hoffman, who responded, “Obviously that’s not in the bill, but my point is we’re finding new ways to invite government interaction with people’s families. … Parents and families should still matter.”
Heidi Low of the American Cancer Society told the panel that 34 percent of Idaho girls have used tanning beds by age 17, and the state is “first in the nation for melanoma deaths.” She said, “This bill is a step in the right direction to change this scary statistic.”
Similar bans are being debated in states including Washington, West Virginia and Utah.
Jared Scott, a Boise native and Yale fellowship-trained dermatologist, told the committee that people who have been exposed to indoor tanning beds have a 75 percent increased risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
At Rusche’s request, the committee sent the bill to the full House’s amending order, where he plans to add some minor amendments requested by the Academy of Dermatologists. Committee Chair Janice McGeachin, R-Idaho Falls, asked Rusche if he’d also consider an amendment to lower the proposed $500 fine for violations.
Rusche said he would, if that’s the will of the committee, saying, “I think what’s more important is to have a law.”
Eked-out win teaches Idaho Democrat a lesson 
oneanddone on February 20 at 4:16 p.m.
Typical that the Idaho legislature finds no problem with running the lives of residents but squeals like a stuck pig when the Feds do it to them. Exactly what you’d expect from a 3rd world banana republic.
Dazzeetrader11 on February 20 at 4:37 p.m.
“Typical that the Idaho legislature finds no problem with running the lives of residents”<–– how so one?
Dr_Dachshund on February 20 at 5:22 p.m.
While, in my view, people using tanning beds to get a “tan” can be classified as pretty stupid, I do not think banning teenagers from tanning beds is going to do anything to alert them to the dangers of tanning. They’ll probably just go in for home-tanning or something else.
A better solution would be to highlight in-and-around tanning salons, the dangers of excessive tanning, i.e. cancer. If people know that they’ll get cancer if they use tanning beds, and still continue to use them - tough luck! It’s their lives, and if they want to develop Melanoma, good for them! Banning anything is simply not going to work!
RedCedar on February 20 at 5:48 p.m.
Teenagers are immortal. They all know that. For every girl endangering her long-term health by getting fake bake, there’s at least one boy endangering his immediate health with a “Dude, watch this!”
johnclarke on February 20 at 5:52 p.m.
Republicans really confuse me. The word hypocrite just does not get it done.
Loudin on February 20 at 6:44 p.m.
Right now a ‘tween girl in Preston, Idahoot is crying her eyes out, realizing she’ll never have that “Boehner Glow.”
Seriously ladies: Orange skin in February ain’t foolin’ anyone. Same goes for your blonde hair and black eyebrows…
Loudin
slamdunk on February 22 at 2:18 p.m.
Why don’t they ban themselves? Idaho by now needs protection from these holier-than-thou Fascists