MN bill would regulate tattoos and body piercing
by The Associated Press

ST. PAUL -- A push to clean up the tattoo and body piercing business gets another hearing on Wednesday.

The bill from Democratic Rep. Julie Bunn of Lake Elmo would require sterilization for needles, gloves for body artists and approved metals for body art jewelry.

Her proposal would require tattoo and body piercing businesses to get a license from the Health Department. Body artists couldn't practice without one unless they were medical professionals, and health officials could investigate complaints against the businesses.

Bunn's bill is up before the House Civil Justice Committee after passing two panels earlier. A Senate version awaits a hearing in the Finance Committee.