Legislation that would create a state board to regulate New Mexico tattoo and piercing artists has received overwhelming approval from the Senate.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the Senate voted Friday 39-1 in favor of the bill that proposes a five-member Board of Body Art Practitioners.
Businesses that specialize in tattoos, piercings and other body art currently report to the same board that regulates barbers and cosmetologists.
Democratic Sen. Jacob Candelaria, who is sponsoring the legislation, says the number of needle purchases and expired licenses indicate there could be 200 people illegally running tattoo or piercing businesses.
Republican Sen. Lee Cotter, of Las Cruces, was the sole person to vote against it.
Cotter says he questions the idea of establishing another state board.
Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican.
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