People under 18 would be barred from using indoor tanning facilities under legislation introduced in the Michigan State House this week.

Currently, minors in Michigan can tan at tanning facilities with parental permission. House Bill 4205, sponsored by Rep. Hank Vaupel, would change that, prohibiting owners and operators of tanning facilities from serving anyone under 18. Violation of the rule would result in a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $150 fine.

Vaupel, R-Fowlerville, said he feels the legislation could help protect minors from early exposure to ultraviolet rays that could lead to development of skin cancer later in life.

“We’re trying to prevent some very serious consequences,” Vaupel said. “This is one of those things we can do to prevent very, very serious diseases down the road.”

Dr. Lisa Lowery, division chief of pediatric specialties at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, said there’s often a perception among younger people that indoor tanning is safer than being out in the sun, but noted people who start using tanning beds as teenagers and young adults significantly increase their risk of skin cancer.

“It’s a cumulative, add-on effect if you’re exposed to it more often,” she said. “The risk factors build up.”

Vaupel’s bill would put Michigan in line with 19 other states and Washington, D.C. that have a full ban on minors using tanning salons, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

He said he hopes the legislation will get traction, but acknowledged there could be pushback from tanning facilities or people who believe the decision should remain in the hands of parents.

Similar efforts to impose stricter rules for minors in tanning salons have been introduced in the past, but did not clear the Legislature.

State Reps. Julie Brixie, D-Meridian Twp., Kathy Crawford, R-Novi, Kevin Coleman, D-Westland, and Jeff Yaroch, R-Richmond, are co-sponsors on the legislation. The bill was referred to the House Regulatory Reform Committee for further consideration.