NO MORE TAMPON TAX
New Texas law ending sales tax on menstrual products and baby supplies goes into effect September 1
The law repeals what has been commonly called the "tampon tax."
Texas women and families have reason to rejoice after this tough legislative season. A new law that exempts several family care items from sales tax goes into effect in September.
Senate Bill 379 was signed by Governor Abbott on June 18, after legislators have spent years advocating for the repeal of the "tampon tax." Texas also joins 17 other states in exempting sales tax on diapers, according to the National Diaper Bank Network.
Items listed in the law that will be exempt from sales tax include:
- Diapers, including those for adults
- Baby wipes
- Feminine hygiene products, including tampons, pads, and menstrual cups
- Maternity clothing
- Breast pumps, pumping bras, storage bags, and containers
- Baby bottles
"The passage of this bill is monumental as it will reduce the expense of essentials for Texas families," said CEO Jorge Medina in a statement. "This is important, especially in assuring the health and well-being of Texas babies, seniors, and women."
The coalition says the new law will save Texas families about $87 per year, which they state is enough money to purchase a month's worth of diapers or other necessities.
The law also repeals sales tax on wound care dressings such as bandages and medical tape. The category does not include cotton balls, swabs, or tissues, with the bill's language distinguishing those as "general purpose absorption items."
A few of the items that are currently exempt from sales tax in Texas include insulin, prescribed and over-the-counter medicine, hypodermic needles and syringes, and hearing aids.
