Oregon considers a bill that could keep minors from tanning beds

Skin cancer related deaths in Colorado rank among the highest in the nation.

Now other states are considering bills that would make it even tougher for teens to tan indoors.

But is that kind of legislation something that's needed here?

Already anyone under the age of 18 in Oregon must have signed permission from a parent to use a tanning bed.

A new house bill on the table in Salem would restrict access for youngsters to get that faux glow.

But is that something that is necessary in Oregon or even in Grand Junction?

Grand Junction resident, Mary Slack said, “I don't tan but I think that parents should be able to say to say yes to that. They don't need to go to the doctor.”

Katelyn Corbett, another Grand Junction Resident said, “I can see where they are coming from as far as wanting to prevent skin cancer and help people out but at the same time the government shouldn't take control over that. I think the fact that they already have the parents’ permission is pretty good.”

We asked that same question on our Facebook page where many agreed, saying whether we tan or not it should be completely our decision, not our doctors.

Others say teens shouldn't be allowed to tan at all.

Studies have shown that indoor tanning increases a person's chance of getting skin cancer by 20%.

And people who use the tanning beds before the age of 35 have a 75% higher risk of developing melanoma.