AB 223 Summary

• Repeals existing body art registration requirements and establishes the Safe Body Art Act, effective July 1, 2011, creating comprehensive statewide standards for tattooing, body piercing, branding, and permanent cosmetics.

• Requires practitioners to register annually with local enforcement agencies and provide evidence of hepatitis B vaccination, bloodborne pathogen training, proof of age (18+), and payment of registration fees set by the local agency.

• Mandates body art facilities obtain and annually renew health permits, maintain infection prevention and control plans, meet specific sanitation standards, and use sterilization procedures for reusable instruments.

• Prohibits body art on minors under 18 without parental/guardian consent (except ear piercing with parental consent), requires clients to sign informed consent forms and health questionnaires, and establishes standards for temporary facilities and body art events.

• Makes operating without proper registration or permits a misdemeanor and allows administrative penalties of $25 to $1,000 for violations; exempts mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing from full body art requirements but imposes separate notification and training standards.