NASHVILLE (AP) — A proposal that seeks to crack down on the tattooing of minors has passed the Senate.
The measure sponsored by Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle of Memphis was unanimously approved 30-0 on Wednesday. The companion bill is awaiting a vote on the House floor.
The proposal makes it illegal for anyone who is unlicensed to possess tattooing paraphernalia. The measure also encourages incidents of underage tattooing be reported to the Health Department. Those making the report might be a police officer or someone in education, such as a teacher or school resource officer.
Currently, a person under 18 cannot get a tattoo. A 16-year-old can be tattooed to cover up an existing tattoo, but only if a parent or guardian is present.