New York Senate Bill S10097

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/26
• Refer: 4/28/26

Caption

Requires certain liability insurance covering bodily injuries and personal injuries arising out of the operation or use of ultraviolet radiation devices at tanning facilities.

Impact

If enacted, S10097 will require tanning facilities to have at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate for bodily injury insurance coverage. This legislative move is expected to enhance consumer safety by ensuring that individuals injured at these facilities have a means of receiving compensation for their medical expenses, thereby providing an additional layer of financial security beyond the existing regulatory framework that includes licensing and operational standards.

Summary

Bill S10097 aims to amend New York's public health law by requiring commercial tanning facility owners to maintain liability insurance. The bill recognizes the inherent risks associated with the use of ultraviolet radiation devices, which can lead to serious bodily injuries such as burns and long-term health effects. The bill's intent is to promote consumer protection, ensure financial accountability among tanning facilities, and alleviate the burden of uncompensated injuries on the healthcare system.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include concerns regarding the financial impact on small business operators within the tanning industry. Some stakeholders fear that the additional requirement for liability insurance may pose an economic strain, leading to increased operating costs or even the closure of facilities unable to meet these standards. Proponents of the bill argue that the measure is necessary to ensure that consumers are protected from potential injuries, positing that the long-term benefits of reduced litigation and improved safety standards outweigh the short-term costs to business operators.