Gov OKs body art regulation

By Associated Press

Summary

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a measure that requires more regulation for the industry into law Thursday. Businesses must be in compliance by July 1, 2010.

Story Published: May 7, 2009 at 6:52 PM PST

Story Updated: May 7, 2009 at 6:52 PM PST

Gov OKs body art regulation

Troy Amundson is shown outside Apocalypse Tattoo and BodyPiercing in Seattle. A professional body piercer, Amundson has been leading a fight to have the state regulate his industry to make it more legitimate and protect public health.

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - People who perform body piercing, tattoos and other types of body art will soon need to be licensed by the state.

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a measure that requires more regulation for the industry into law Thursday. Businesses must be in compliance by July 1, 2010.

Body art, body piercing, and tattooing are not currently regulated in Washington state. Under the new law, people and businesses which pierce or tattoo would need a license.

The measure also requires the state Health Department to adopt rules about the sterilization of needles and other instruments and jewelry used in body piercing or body art, which includes the use of branding and scarification.

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The tattooing and body piercing licensing bill is Senate Bill 5391.

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