RALEIGH — A majority of North Carolina House members agree children under 18 should be barred from using tanning beds in the name of their health.

The chamber voted 94-22 Wednesday in favor of the legislation, which now heads to the Senate.

Medical groups and child safety advocates say there's no good reason that young people should be exposed to doses of ultraviolet radiation they say contributed to skin cancer. They cite studies showing the higher risk.

Current law prohibits anyone 13 or younger from using salon equipment unless a doctor gives the child a written prescription, while children 14 to 17 only must have a parent's permission.

A few people spoke against the bill by questioning the true risks of tanning beds and whether the measure interferes with parental responsibility.