AN ACT Relating to authorizing nonmedical tattoo removal procedures for minors by licensed tattoo artists; and amending RCW 26.28.085.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1.  RCW 26.28.085 and 1995 c 373 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Every person who applies a tattoo to any minor under the age of eighteen is guilty of a misdemeanor. It is not a defense to a violation of this section that the person applying the tattoo did not know the minor's age unless the person applying the tattoo establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she made a reasonable, bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of the minor by requiring production of a driver's license or other picture identification card or paper and did not rely solely on the oral allegations or apparent age of the minor.

For the purposes of this section, "tattoo" includes any permanent marking or coloring of the skin with any pigment, ink, or dye, or any procedure that leaves a visible scar on the skin. Medical procedures performed by a licensed physician are exempted from this section. This section does not apply to nonmedical tattoo removal procedures performed by tattoo artists licensed under chapter 18.300 RCW.

--- END ---