In order to receive a tattoo artist license, present law requires the tattooist to be trained in the profession of tattooing, including sterilization methods, in a certified shop for at least one year, under a currently licensed tattoo artist who has been certified and operating in compliance with applicable laws in this state for no less than three years. Out-of-state tattoo artists must be able to show proof of at least two years' experience as a professional tattoo artist in another state. This bill revises the provisions above by (i) adding the option for a tattoo artist to receive a license if they have been licensed in this state for fewer than three years but licensed in another state for 10 years or more, (ii) requiring a tattoo artist to provide their signature on this state's tattoo apprenticeship completion application signifying that the apprentice tattoo artist has met the requirements of state law, and (iii) clarifying that the requirement of out-of-state tattoo artists to show proof of at least two years' experience as a professional tattoo artist in another state is done in lieu of passing an examination to receive a tattoo artist license in this state. ON MARCH 10, 2025, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 497, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 revises the provision requiring a tattoo artist, in order to receive a tattoo artist license, to be trained in the profession of tattooing in a certified shop for at least one year under a currently licensed tattoo artist to, instead, require two years of such training. ON MARCH 27, 2025, THE HOUSE SUBSTITUTED SENATE BILL 497 FOR HOUSE BILL 373, ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1, AND PASSED SENATE BILL 497, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 reduces from two years to one year, the time period in which a person must be trained in the profession of tattooing, including sterilization methods, in a certified shop under a currently licensed tattoo artist who meets certain requirements in order to receive a tattoo artist license.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 62-38-204