Counties Implement New Tattoo Shop Inspection Rules

California counties are working to implement legislation (AB 300), by Assembly member Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), that established new inspection and registration protocols for tattoo and piercing shops. The new law, which took effect in July, aims to protect residents from exposure to hepatitis C and other blood-borne pathogens. However, some tattoo artists say it is the unlicensed practitioners who work out of their home who pose the biggest risk to residents.

• "California Counties Step Up Tattoo Shop Inspections" (Fletcher, Sacramento Bee, 8/24).