ALBANY - A bill to better protect teens from infections and blood-borne disease by requiring that a minor have written parental consent before obtaining a body piercing was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The bill overwhelmingly passed in both the Senate and the Assembly

"Body piercing can result in severe health risks and it is our obligation as New Yorkers and parents to make sure that our teens are taking every precaution to remain healthy and safe," Governor Cuomo said. "I thank Senator Robach and Assembly Member Simanowitz for their hard work on this legislation." 

Until this bill was signed, New York law stated that there was no minimum age requirement for body piercing. By contrast, it is illegal to tattoo someone under the age of 18. Approximately 20% of all body piercing result in infection, and there is also a risk of contracting hepatitis from the procedure. 

The legislation the Governor signed today requires that body piercing studios check the identification of teens, and that underage teens provide a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian that was signed in the presence of the owner or body piercing specialist at a body piercing studio. A body piercing is a piercing located on a part of the body other than the ear. This law takes effect in 90 days.