Senate Approves Safety Measure to Regulate Tattooing

Saying it came down to a public health issue, Sen. Frank Shurden won final Senate approval Wednesday for a measure that would give the State Health Department regulatory control over tattooing. Senate Bill 806 now goes to Gov. Brad Henry for his consideration.

“Oklahoma is the only state in the entire country that does not regulate tattooing. With that lack of regulation comes the very real risk of diseases like Hepatitis or even AIDS,” said Shurden, D-Henryetta. “It is time to do what 49 other states have already done and make sure these businesses are not spreading disease and endangering the lives of Oklahomans.”

Under the provisions of SB 806, the State Health Department would be able to require licenses and fees that would cover the cost of health inspections. The bill also makes it illegal for anyone to tattoo or offer to tattoo any person under the age of 18. The measure also bans body piercing on anyone younger than 18, but would still allow ear piercing.

“This isn’t about condoning tattooing. It’s happening anyway, but we are putting people’s lives at risk by not regulating it,” Shurden said. Oklahoma needs to acknowledge the danger in failing to address this situation. We need to deal with it realistically. I hope our Governor will sign this bill.”