Tennessee Tattoo Bill Headed for House Floor Vote

A proposal to crack down on the tattooing of minors is headed for a vote on the Tennessee House floor.  The measure sponsored by Democratic Representative Antonio Parkinson was unanimously approved in the House Finance Committee Tuesday. The companion bill is awaiting a vote by the full Senate.  The proposal makes it illegal for anyone without a license to possess tattooing paraphernalia. The measure also encourages underage tattooing incidents be reported to the Health Department. Those making the report might be a police officer or someone in education, such as a teacher.  Currently, a person under 18 cannot get a tattoo. A 16-year-old can be tattooed to cover up an existing tattoo, but only if a consenting parent or guardian is present.