Bill to add tampons, pads to annual sales tax holiday moves forward

Sen. Sara Kyle says bill inches state closer to full repeal of sales tax on feminine hygiene products

NASHVILLE — Sen. Sara Kyle has long supported the notion of repealing the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products.

“I believe this is the fourth General Assembly I’ve proposed this measure in some form or fashion because these products are an essential necessity for women and they should not be taxed,” Kyle told the Senate Revenue Subcommittee this morning. “These products are required for human dignity.”

Despite the controlling party’s typical zeal for tax breaks, the full “tampon tax” repeal has failed to gain traction until today—albeit a more narrow version.

This morning, Sen. Kyle’s Senate Bill 24, which would add feminine hygiene products to the state’s annual sales tax holiday weekend, received its first ever positive recommendation. The measure now moves to full Senate Finance Committee.

“Senate Bill 24 puts forth just a very small proposal to exempt products like tampons, pads and liners during the annual back-to-school sales tax holiday,” Sen. Kyle said.

The Memphis senator cited research that shows one out of five girls have missed time at school because they didn’t have access to feminine hygiene products.

“By passing this bill, we will send a message that our state is taking an important step recognizing these products are a necessity and essential for women’s health,” Sen. Kyle said.

The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Brenda Gilmore.