Tattoos and Piercings - As enacted, permits tattoo artists who have been licensed in this state for fewer than three years but licensed in another state for 10 years or more to receive a tattoo artist licensure in this state; requires the tattoo artist to provide the tattoo artist's signature on this state's tattoo apprenticeship completion application signifying that the apprentice tattoo artist has met the requirement of law. - Amends TCA Title 62 and Title 68.

SB 497 amends Tennessee tattoo artist licensing laws to allow out-of-state artists with 10+ years of experience to obtain a Tennessee license without completing the state's standard 1-year apprenticeship. It directly affects tattoo artists licensed in other states for a decade or more, permitting them to apply using proof of prior work (like business licenses or tax records) instead of local training. The bill also requires supervising tattoo artists to sign apprenticeship completion forms verifying compliance with training requirements. Effective January 1, 2026, this change streamlines licensure for experienced out-of-state practitioners while maintaining oversight through signature verification.