Assemblyman Mims Hackett, Jr.

HACKETT 'TATTOOING AND BODY PIERCING PRACTICE ACT' PASSES ASSEMBLY
Measure Would Require Tattoo, Body Piercing Artists Obtain License

(TRENTON) -- The General Assembly today passed legislation Assemblyman Mims Hackett, Jr. sponsored to strengthen the regulation of tattoo and body piercing practices in New Jersey.
The "Tattooing and Body Piercing Practice Act" (A-542) would make the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) responsible for:

-Developing and approving education programs;
-Developing and administering licensing examinations;
-Evaluating qualifications of applicants;
-Reviewing applications;
-Issuing licenses and renewals;
-Maintaining records of all offices licensed by the department;
-Maintaining records of all tattoo artists and body piercing artist licensed to practice;
-Taking disciplinary action against individuals that violate the act;
-Approving instruments and procedures permitted in tattooing and body piercing; and
-Conducting inspections or investigations of any premises believed to be offering tattooing
or body piercing services.

"Currently, tattooing and body piercing is largely unregulated except for some hygiene and sanitation requirements," said Hackett (D-Essex). "This is problematic because tattooing and body piercing involve invasive and potentially harmful procedures. It is critical we ensure the most stringent policies are in place to best protect those residents who choose to get tattoos or body piercings."

Under the measure, tattoo and body piercing artists would only qualify for a state-issued license if they are age 18 or older, have successfully completed an appropriate education program, and have passed a practical examination. Licenses would be valid for two years.

An individual who has been practicing tattooing or body piercing for five years will be eligible for a license, provided they submit an application to DHSS within 180 days of this bill taking effect.

In addition to securing a license to practice tattooing or body piercing, this bill would require any person wishing to own or operate a tattooing or body piercing business to first obtain an office license from the DHSS.

A recent study by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that nearly one in four Americans between 18 and 50 have a tattoo. About one in seven people surveyed reported having a piercing anywhere other than in the soft lobe of the ear.

The Associated Press reported on Friday that forty-four tattoo customers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Vermont developed skin infections in 2004 and 2005 that were traced to 13 unlicensed tattoo artists.

"The potential dangers associated with tattoo and body piercing are very real," said Hackett. "While the infections of those in Ohio, Kentucky, and Vermont were not fatal, this latest incident highlights the importance of regulation to ensure the safety of our residents."

The measure passed 80-0. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

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Contact:
Assemblyman Hackett (973) 762-1886
Erin Gold (609) 292-7065