Tax-Free Feminine Care Products Proposal
Feminine care products could be soon tax-exempted as a Texas lawmaker is pushing to make feminine products sold in the state to be exempt from taxes.
The bill, HB 2320, defines “feminine care products” as tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, menstrual sponges, menstrual pads, or other similar tangible personal property sold for the principal purpose of feminine hygiene in connection with the menstrual cycle. The proposal is similar to one introduced by Texas Democrat Donna Howard, which also includes products relating to childbirth, such as diapers, wipes, breast pumps, and baby bottles, Fox News reported.
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Taxing feminine care products has gained national attention in recent years, with several states and countries passing legislation to exempt these products from sales tax. Critics argue that the “tampon tax” unfairly burdens low-income women who cannot afford to pay extra for essential items. Supporters say that removing the tax recognizes the importance of feminine care products and helps to promote gender equality.
If passed, the bills proposed by Harris and Howard would bring Texas in line with other states that have already eliminated the tax on feminine care products, including California, New York, and Illinois. The bills have received bipartisan support and are expected to pass in the upcoming legislative session.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said that the state could easily absorb the lost revenue from exempting feminine care products from sales tax, but for countless Texas women, this will mean significant savings in their budgets over time. The bills are important in recognizing the importance of feminine care products and ensuring that they are accessible to all women, regardless of their income level.
