U.S.

Texas House votes to repeal sales tax on menstrual products

In addition to feminine hygiene products, the bill also calls for the elimination of sales tax on prescription drugs, diapers and maternity clothing.

Tampons on a store shelf
Mike Stewart / AP
SMS

Menstrual products may soon be exempt from sales tax in Texas. 

The Texas House voted this week to eliminate sales tax on feminine hygiene products, including tampons and pads. 

Senate Bill 379 was introduced by Republican state Sen. Joan Huffman.

"Every woman knows that these products are not optional. They are essential to our health and well-being and should be tax-exempt," Huffman said when filing the bill. 

Advocates continue the push to end period poverty
Advocates continue the push to end period poverty

Advocates continue the push to end period poverty

Research shows two in five women struggle to buy period products, and this can lead to substituting products, stretching product use, or being absent.

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State Rep. Donna Howard introduced a similar bill in the Texas House of Representatives this year. She has been an advocate of repealing taxes on feminine hygiene products for years. However, the bills she has backed have stalled the past four legislative sessions. This year, her bill passed in the House, but it remained stuck in the Senate as Huffman's bill was voted through. 

The Senate passed Huffman's bill by a vote of 29-2. In the House, the bill also received overwhelming support, passing by a vote of 129-14.

In addition to feminine hygiene products, the bill also calls for the elimination of sales tax on prescription drugs, prescription glasses, diapers, baby wipes and maternity clothing. 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill. Once the law is in place, Texas will be the 25th state to eliminate sales tax on menstrual products. 

New Mexico will offer free feminine hygiene products in school
New Mexico will offer free feminine hygiene products in school

New Mexico will offer free feminine hygiene products in school

The bill would require public schools to offer free feminine hygiene products in women's, men's and gender-neutral bathrooms.

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