DOVER, Del., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed a bill Thursday that bans children under 14 from using tanning salons and requires those under 18 to have parental permission.
"Michelle's Law" got its name from Michelle Rigney, a University of Delaware student who was diagnosed with melanoma at 19 and died last year at 22, WHYY-FM, Philadelphia, reported. She believed her use of tanning beds contributed to her getting the virulent skin cancer and campaigned after her diagnosis to inform teenagers about the risks.
"Today we ensure that what Michelle Rigney worked so hard during her far too few days to achieve, and what her parents worked so hard in her name to continue, will become part of our law and part of her legacy," Markell said as he signed the bill.
Those under 14 can only use tanning salons if prescribed by a doctor. Tanning is sometimes used to treat psoriasis and similar skin conditions.
Older teens will need a consent form signed by a legal guardian.
