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Spring break is just around the corner, but tanning beds are under a harsh spotlight. The FDA is holding a hearing to discuss banning tanning for minors, which comes on the heels of a 10 percent tax on tanning that’s part of the new health care bill.

We’re looking at perspectives from WTNH, ABC and CBS.

Currently, tanning beds are regulated on the same level as dental floss. At the hearings, Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro is leading the charge to burn the beds. Here’s DeLauro on Connecticut station WTNH.

“There is no doubt that tanning devices pose a considerable health threat to the American public, and especially to the millions of young women and adolescent girls who use them on a regular basis. In fact, melanoma rates for young women ages 15 to 30 have tripled over the past 35 years.”

One proposal includes banning minors from tanning completely. Good Morning America’s Dr. Richard Besser talks to a doctor who will testify at the hearing, and Besser says Americans need a cultural change.

“We’re talking about something that is designed to deliver something that we know causes cancer, and it is regulated the same way you would a Band-Aid."

Besser: "Reducing the use of tanning beds is going to really take a cultural change in how we view skin color.”

But on CBS, a tanning spa owner says there's no need for a ban because salons self-regulate.

“We already are a well-regulated industry that does a lot of self-policing and responsible tanning salons like ours are a great place that lot of people enjoy.”

And with the new health care bill putting a 10 percent tax on tanning, the industry is feeling the heat. FOX’s affiliate in Green Bay quotes The Skin Cancer Foundation. The foundation says this tanning tax is similar to the sin tax on cigarettes –- both are for harmful habits. But a tanning company owner disagrees, and says the tax will hurt business.

“With all the current benefits that have been found about tanning and UV exposure, I find it kind of disheartening.”

“They’re going to hurt one small industry that is already pretty hurt by the economy. You know, tanning’s a luxury.”

The tanning tax goes into effect July 1, but the Indoor Tanning Association plans to fight it.

Writer: Lauren Zima

Producer: Erik Shute