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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 1, 2023 01:04 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Abby Major |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Tattoo Practice Act |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation formerly sponsored by Representative Rosemary Brown to require licensure of tattoo artists and tattoo establishments in Pennsylvania and place requirements on the Department of Health. With over 40 percent of Americans having at least one tattoo, the goal of this legislation is to strengthen consumer protection and minimize the chance of a serious blood borne pathogen or communicable disease. Previous colleagues worked on this issue for several years and introduced several proposals, one of which was voted on by the full House. This version of the language is based on the Florida model, as it has been found to be one of the most straightforward statutes where they license and require sanitation without being burdensome or too costly to the tattoo artists and industry. My legislation will require a tattoo establishment to be licensed and registered with the Department of Health (DOH) and pay an annual fee. These establishments would be inspected upon the initial opening and then the DOH would be responsible for yearly inspections. Tattoo establishments will be required to display an active license visible to the public and ensure that each tattoo artist or guest tattoo artist meets all applicable requirements established by the DOH. In addition, they must also contain sanitary conditions and comply with all state and local health laws, regulations, and ordinances. Individual tattoo artists will also be subject to licensure requirements and pay a yearly fee. The applicant must include the address of each establishment where they perform tattoo work and submit proof that they have completed an education course approved by the department on blood borne pathogen and communicable diseases. Additionally, there will also be a Temporary Establishment License and a Guest Tattoo Artist License that will be offered for conventions, temporary locations etc. for a limited time frame of 14 days where the same provisions must be met. As you may know, the tattooing of children under the age of 18 is still prohibited unless a parent or guardian gives their consent. It is important to note that my legislation does not change what is currently enacted in law. Lastly, this legislation will also address the growing trend of permanent makeup allowing for licensure, sanitary provisions, and business growth. Please join me in co-sponsoring this consumer protection legislation for tattoo establishments, tattoo artists and customers. These safeguards will assist in protecting public health, ensuring educational requirements are met for these services and building the professionalism of an industry. |
Introduced as HB1897
Memo Updated: November 1, 2023 01:05 PM