Been thinking about getting a tattoo, but know your parents wouldn't let you? Think again.
A new bill making it unlawful to tattoo a child under 18 without the explicit in-person consent of the child's parent or guardian, was passed by the House on Feb. 11.
House Bill 411 passed on a largely Republican party vote, and was first heard in the Senate on Wednesday. A second hearing will be scheduled, after which it must be passed by the House and the Senate and signed by the governor before becoming a law.
Persons convicted of the offense shall be fined an amount not exceeding $500 or be imprisoned, not exceeding six months.
"Children under 18 are not mature enough to make such decisions that can affect their entire life," Rep. Chris Ahner, R-Helena told The Associated Press.
"I think it's a good idea because it's going to be there for the rest of your life," said senior Marci Viano.
"I think that (consent) should be (neccessry) under the age of 16," said senior Lindsay Davis. "Before that, the average teenager doesn't know who they are and what they believe in."
"It's very strange that the Republicans all passed this bill," said opposing Rep. Joan Hurdle, D-Billings. "They usually don't want government interference in family issues."
"I'm worried about the spillover effect of this bill," said Hurdle. "If you can't get a tattoo without your parents permission, then you might not be able to get contraception without your parent's permission."