MONTPELIER — The Vermont House has given preliminary approval to a bill that would outlaw use of commercial tanning beds by people younger than 18.

The action came Tuesday on a voice vote after Rep. Patti Komline told her colleagues about the increased risk of skin cancers from the use of tanning beds.

Komline read letters from skin cancer sufferers who said they regretted their past use of tanning beds.

Owners of establishments with tanning beds caught allowing people younger than 18 to use them would face a civil fine of $100 on a first offense and $500 on second and later offenses.

The bill is expected to come up for final action today before moving to the Senate.