It could take several months, however, before tattoos can be offered to the public because the state must approve health regulations.

The governor said he supported lifting the ban on tattoos as long as it protected public health.

"I wanted to go over this bill in detail to make sure those precautions were definitely in place, and I'm confident they are," Sanford said in a statement Thursday.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control must draft regulations, get approval from its governing board, hold public hearings and send the new rules to the Legislature, which returns in January.

The law requires tattoo artists to use disposable needles and get a parent's permission for anyone 18 to 21. Minors cannot get a tattoo in South Carolina. The law bans tattooing the face, neck and head.

Tattoo artists also will have to follow local zoning laws, such as opening businesses away from churches and schools.

Oklahoma is the only state in the nation that still bans tattooing.

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