Child tanning bed ban clears hurdle in Colorado

A ban on the use of commercial tanning beds by children has won initial approval in the Colorado House.

The House approved a bill Wednesday to prohibit anyone under 18 from using a tanning salon. Colorado is one of the few states with no restrictions on minors in tanning beds, though many Colorado salons place voluntary limits on childhood use.

Some Republicans tried to amend the bill to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to visit tanning beds if they have parental permission. Democrats rejected the amendment, citing doctors and cancer advocates who say tanning beds are like tobacco and should be considered off-limits to children.

One more formal vote is required before the bill heads to the Senate.