Connecticut Senate Bill SB00372

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/12
• Refer: 3/6/12

Caption

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Body Modification Services To Minors.

Impact

The bill is intended to amend existing public health statutes, particularly those governing body modifications. The introduced provisions would enhance parental oversight and protect minors from body modifications that could have lasting effects. Local health authorities would be empowered to enforce these regulations, thus potentially leading to increased awareness among professionals offering body modification services about the laws surrounding their practice. As a result, this legislation could shape the landscape of body modification services, aligning them more closely with current health and safety standards.

Summary

SB00372 is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating the provision of body modification services to minors, specifically focusing on body piercing. The bill stipulates that no individual may perform body piercing on an unemancipated minor under the age of 18 unless they have received written permission from the minor's parent or legal guardian. This move is designed to safeguard minors from making potentially harmful body modification decisions without parental knowledge and consent. By placing this requirement, the bill seeks to ensure that parents maintain a role in overseeing their children's decisions regarding body modification.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to enhance parental consent laws regarding body modifications, it could face opposition from advocates who believe it may infringe on the personal autonomy of minors. Concerns could arise regarding the restriction of minors’ rights to make decisions about their own bodies, especially if they are mature enough to understand the implications of such modifications. Additionally, public health experts might debate the effectiveness of such regulations in truly protecting minors and whether alternative approaches could be more beneficial. The discussions surrounding the bill may reflect broader societal views on the regulation of personal body image and modifications.