GOP lawmaker proposes Arizona ban on tanning beds for teens

PHOENIX (AP) - A Republican state lawmaker is proposing a ban on teenagers' use of tanning beds as a way to cut down on cases of deadly skin cancers.

House Bill 2493 would bar tanning salons and other facilities that provide artificial tanning services from serving anyone under the age of 18.

Rep. Heather Carter, of Cave Creek, says artificial tanning at a young age makes people more likely to get deadly forms of melanoma as they age.

The Indoor Tanning Association that represents salons nationwide opposes the bill. Executive Director John Overstreet says Arizona already requires parental consent and that should be enough.

Nine states and the District of Columbia bar tanning bed use by minors.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules require tanning machines to carry warning labels against teen use.