SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6342

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Health & Long-Term Care, February 2, 1996

Title:  An act relating to the regulation of permanent color technicians and tattoo artists.

Brief Description:  Regulating permanent color technicians and tattoo artists.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Schow, Zarelli, Long, Moyer, Winsley, Swecker, Sheldon and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/1/96, 2/2/96 [DPS-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6342 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Moyer, Thibaudeau, Winsley and Wood.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:   In 1995, legislation passed making it a misdemeanor to tattoo anyone under 18 years old.  Otherwise, the practice of "body art" is not currently regulated by Washington State.  Permanent color technicians pierce the skin and insert nontoxic dyes or pigments to create indelible marks for cosmetic purposes on the face.  The practice is also known as permanent makeup.

Because this process carries the risk of infection and disease transmission, there has been concern that closer scrutiny by the state is warranted.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Permanent color technicians must register as a business with the Department of Health (DOH) and pay a fee.  Permanent color technician facilities must also be registered with DOH.

DOH must adopt rules establishing sanitation standards for permanent color technician facilities.  DOH must maintain a registry of permanent color technicians and their facilities and provide this information to the public.  The registry includes records of sanitation violations reported by local health departments.

The local health department must regularly inspect permanent color technician establishments.  If violations are found, the DOH must be notified.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 23, 1996.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on July 1, 1996.

Testimony For:  Sterile conditions are the key.  Let tattooists continue to do business but make sure their establishments are clean.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Dan Manthe, Tattoo Alley; Lamar Van Dyke.