Okla. Last State to Legalize Tattoos

[bossradio93]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060510/...lahoma_tattoos

Okla. Last State to Legalize Tattoos

Wed May 10, 4:35 PM ET

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma became the last state to make tattoos legal when the governor signed legislation Wednesday to license and regulate tattoo artists and parlors.

The measure ends a ban on tattooing that had been in effect since 1963. The new law takes effect Nov. 1.

"Regardless of one's personal views about tattoos, the plain fact is that tattooing is prevalent," Gov. Brad Henry said.

The legislation calls for sanitation and health guidelines for tattoo artists and parlors and periodic inspections by the state Health Department. Previous attempts to lift the ban over the past decade were fought on health as well as moral grounds.

The Health Department endorsed the measure after expressing concern about an increase in hepatitis infections related to unsanitary tattooing practices.

"It is important that we do what we can to make sure those who get a tattoo don't also end up contracting a disease such as HIV or hepatitis B or C," Henry said.

The measure makes it illegal to tattoo anyone younger than 18.

Yahoo! News/AP-May 10, 2006