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Local Salon Owners Gear Up For New Tanning Bed Bill

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Doctors have been long concerned about the health risks of tanning beds, and in just a matter of days, many of those concerns will be written in a new state law.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett was expected to sign the new tanning bed bill on Tuesday, May 6.

However, his office tells KDKA that has been postponed.

KDKA's Kym Gable talked to a local tanning salon owner who's been following the legislation in Harrisburg.

Sara Levine, owner of Bahama Breeze Tanning in Greenfield, says she already goes above and beyond what's required.

"Safety is always our No. 1 priority in tanning," she said. "We want it to be a safe, controlled environment. Everybody knows how long they're tanning for, how strong the bulbs are. So, I just feel like it's just another precaution to take on younger children."

The beds will be off limits to those 16 years and younger -- 17-year-olds will need parental permission to use indoor tanning beds.

The bill will require new health warning signs be posted. Employees will also have to be trained to detect potential skin issues in clients.

Levine has also been told non-compliance could mean a $1,000 fine.

"And I also heard the health department might come in yearly and inspect all of our units and we'll have to pay a price for that, too," she said.

Legislators admit the key to getting the bill passed was something called the "Prom Carve-Out."

The bill was able to get the support it needed while the age limitations still allow most high school seniors to get bronze before the prom.

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