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SALT LAKE CITY-- The state of Utah could end up with a little more money for each trip customers take to the tanning salon.
Lawmakers are considering a 10 percent tax on admission fees to tanning salons. They say that could bring in at least $600,000 a year.
The Standard Examiner reports House Bill 419 would levy the tax beginning July 1. The money would go to the Utah Department of Health, which would award research grants to organizations for studying melanoma.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mel Brown, R-Coalville, says the research also may show just how much of an effect tanning facilities have on melanoma.
But some tanning salon owners say it's unfair to single out the industry as a possible contributing factor to skin cancer. They also say a little tanning provides a lot of helpful vitamin D.
The Standard Examiner reports HB 419 is getting a mixed reaction on Capitol Hill so far. The bill hasn't yet been voted on by a legislative committee.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
