Missouri Laws 324.520 – Definitions — tattooing, branding, body piercing, prohibited, when, penalty
1. As used in sections 324.520 to 324.524, the following terms mean:
(1) “Body piercing”, the perforation of human tissue other than an ear for a nonmedical purpose;
Attorney's Note
Under the Missouri Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class B misdemeanor | up to 6 months | up to $1,000 |
Terms Used In Missouri Laws 324.520
- following: when used by way of reference to any section of the statutes, mean the section next preceding or next following that in which the reference is made, unless some other section is expressly designated in the reference. See Missouri Laws 1.020
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Guardian: if used in a section in a context relating to property rights or obligations, means conservator of the estate as defined in chapter 475. See Missouri Laws 1.020
- person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020
(2) “Branding”, a permanent mark made on human tissue by burning with a hot iron or other instrument;
(3) “Controlled substance”, any substance defined in section 195.010;
(4) “Minor”, a person under the age of eighteen;
(5) “Tattoo”, one or more of the following:
(a) An indelible mark made on the body of another person by the insertion of a pigment under the skin; or
(b) An indelible design made on the body of another person by production of scars other than by branding.
2. No person shall knowingly tattoo, brand or perform body piercing on a minor unless such person obtains the prior written informed consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. The minor’s parent or legal guardian shall execute the written informed consent required pursuant to this subsection in the presence of the person performing the tattooing, branding or body piercing on the minor, or in the presence of an employee or agent of such person. Any person who fraudulently misrepresents himself or herself as a parent is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
3. A person shall not tattoo, brand or perform body piercing on another person if the other person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance.
4. A person who violates any provisions of sections 324.520 to 324.526 is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars. If there is a subsequent violation within one year of the initial violation, such person shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars or more than one thousand dollars.
5. No person under the age of eighteen shall tattoo, brand or perform body piercing on another person.