First off, there must be regulation. Tattoo parlors fall at the intersection of art and function. Given the intricacies and variety of tattoos, it’s not hard to see why those who ply their trade in the industry are called artists. And anyone who ever has heard the phrase “starving artist” knows creative artistic endeavors usually are more about passion than pay. For a business that just opened its doors, an annual fee of $500 might take away from essential revenue.

However, the nature of the business — inserting a needle under the dermis — means an increased risk of exposure to pathogens such as hepatitis C and HIV. A study published in the July 2009 volume of International Journal of Infectious Diseases concluded, “Findings from the current meta-analysis indicate that tattooing is associated with a higher risk of hepatitis C infection.”

The study reviewed 124 cases and used 83 of those in its analysis. There is a viable public health issue and because of this, the state should take an interest in how the industry operates.

The issue is whether the $500 annual fee would be too much. State Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, who voted against the legislation, seems to think so. His “No” vote was based on the reasoning that tripling the licensing fee will cripple small businesses. There might be some truth to that statement.

The fee wouldn’t be horrible for an established tattoo parlor such as Splash of Color. Splash has been in business for about 13 years. Owner Kris Lachance said she was “more than willing to pay for a program that is responsible and is going to address keeping tattoos out of basements and flea markets.”

Granted, an increase means less competition for Lachance. The higher annual fees will favor businesses that already have a share of the market and make it more difficult for others to raise the requisite amount of money to start their business. So, it isn’t so much about small business as it is new business.

That being said, there is room for improvement.

To operate in Ingham County, tattoo parlors must pay a $400 annual licensing fee. It seems the point of a statewide fee is to standardize regulations across the state. Until last year, each county decided how to regulate tattoo establishments. If the state is using the funds to pay for regulators, why would tattoo parlors still pay a fee to the county? Perhaps eliminating the local fees — which vary from city to city, and county to county — would be helpful for new businesses.

Before signing this bill, Gov. Jennifer Granholm should think about the best way to institute it.