Individuals under 18 years old would be prohibited from using or operating an indoor tanning device under legislation that unanimously passed the Senate on Thursday afternoon.

Sen. James Timilty, a Walpole Democrat and sponsor of the bill (S 1994), said he's been working to pass it for about 10 years, in an attempt to shield more young people, especially young women, from the dangers of skin cancer.

Timilty said damage from tanning beds stays with people, building over their lifetimes.

"The clinical evidence has mounted," said Timilty, noting similar bans are in place in New Hampshire, California, Nevada, Louisiana, and Texas.

The bill now moves to the House.

The bill also bans tanning salons from allowing minors to operate a tanning device. An amendment to strike that part of the bill was defeated with six senators voting in favor and 32 against.

Republicans argued in favor of allowing teens to operate tanning beds, saying that a prohibition would limit job opportunities for them. Sen. Ryan Fattman said he worried youths would miss out on jobs at businesses where tanning beds are only one component, such as gyms.

Timilty said if youths were allowed to run a tanning establishment, they could bring their underage friends in to use the machines. He said teens could still work in a gym or salon that offers tanning machines, but may not operate the machines.

Sen. Jason Lewis, co-chair of the Public Health Committee, said tanning beds increase the risk of individuals contracting the most deadly form of skin cancer, and described instances of "misinformation perpetuated" by the tanning industry about health benefits.