Tennessee Senate Bill SB0450

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Engrossed: 3/2/23
• Enrolled: 3/14/23
• Passed: 3/31/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 62, Chapter 38, Part 2 and Title 62, Chapter 38, Part 3, relative to tattoo and body piercing paraphernalia.

Impact

This bill amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically affecting Title 39 and Title 62 regarding minor protections in the context of tattoo and body piercing paraphernalia. By imposing strict regulations, the bill intends to prevent minors from purchasing these items, thus addressing public health and safety concerns. The law mandates that retailers must verify the age of customers using valid identification and outlines procedures for compliance testing by law enforcement. The bill reinforces existing efforts to safeguard minors in relation to body art practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 0450 aims to regulate the sale and distribution of tattoo and body piercing paraphernalia in Tennessee. The bill specifically prohibits the sale or distribution of such items to individuals under the age of eighteen. Additionally, it establishes penalties for individuals and businesses that violate these provisions, identifying violations as either Class A misdemeanors or a delinquent act for minors, which incurs a fine of up to fifty dollars. The legislation is seen as a move to protect minors from accessing potentially harmful items and to ensure that vendors comply with age restrictions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 0450 seems to be largely positive among supporters, who argue that it enhances protections for children and aligns with broader public health goals. There is general agreement on the necessity of restricting access to tattoo and body piercing paraphernalia for minors, with many believing that such measures will prevent potential health risks associated with body modifications. However, discussions around enforcement and compliance may lead to variations in opinion, particularly regarding how such regulations affect local businesses.

Contention

While SB 0450 is viewed favorably in terms of child protection, some contention arises regarding the burden it places on retailers and how effectively these regulations can be enforced. Critics might express concern about the overreach of government regulations into personal freedoms and how compliance testing will be conducted in practice. Nevertheless, the overarching aim remains clear: to create a safer environment for minors and promote responsible business practices within the industry.