OLYMPIA, Wash. —

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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On the Net:

Washington state Legislature: http://www.leg.wa.gov

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