Hamden Resident Inspires State Tattoo Licensing Proposal

The following is a release from the office of House Speaker Brendan Sharkey.

Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) introduced legislation (HB6590) requiring tattoo artists to be licensed by the state Department of Public Health, and the inspiration for that legislation came from a Hamden resident who is a commissioner with the Quinnipiack Valley Health District. 

After reviewing state regulations, Myra Rochow expressed surprise and concern that there were no licensing requirements for tattooing in Connecticut, noting the procedure uses needles to pierce skin not dissimilar to licensed medical professionals. That prompted her to contact Sharkey in early January. 

 “I was shocked to learn that tattoo artists and their establishments are not licensed by the state considering the high potential for disease and infection that can easily be contracted as a result of the procedure,” said Rochow, who also testified with husband Walter at a public hearing in support of the bill before the legislature’s Public Health Committee March 20. 

Various other states require tattoo technician licensing, including nearby Rhode Island and Maine, as well as mammoth states like California and Florida. Connecticut law currently only requires tattoo artists to be supervised by a physician with no requirements for the person administering the procedure or the premises. 

“Public health is one of the top responsibilities of government, and with the growing popularity of tattoos, we really need to ensure it is as safe as possible,” Sharkey said. “Many of the best ideas for legislation come from our constituents and I thank Myra for wanting to get involved in a way that can help protect thousands of residents.”   

Some of the health risks from tattooing include allergic reactions from the colored dyes, skin infection and blood borne disease. According to QVHD Director of Health Leslie Balch, of particular concern are the cross transmission of pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C to and from artist and client.  

The legislature’s Public Health Committee approved the bill April 5 on a unanimous vote and sent the measure to the full House of Representatives for consideration.