Tax relief on menstrual products commences in Alabama from Monday onwards

Alabama is set to implement a series of initiatives aimed at supporting families and alleviating financial burdens, with the unanimous approval of HB152 by the House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate earlier this year. Sponsored by Representative Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, the bill was later signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey in May.

Starting from Monday, families across the state will begin to see the effects of these changes. The bill exempts tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and maternity products from the state's 4 percent sales tax, marking the removal of the so-called "period tax."

Courtney Roark, Alabama Policy and Movement Building director for URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equality, considers these tax cuts an essential component of family-first agendas. Roark stated that the tax cuts will provide material economic relief for young people struggling to make ends meet and support their families in Alabama.

The initiatives, including the removal of the period tax, the phased reduction of the state grocery tax, and expanded paid parental leave for teachers and state employees, aim to ease economic pressures on Alabama households. Alongside these changes, lawmakers also approved the inclusion of adult diapers in the sales tax exemption.

Representative Neil Rafferty celebrated HB152 as "a big win for Alabama's working families." During debate, Representative Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, echoed this sentiment, stating, "You know I'm all about women, children, and seniors."

The estimated annual loss of revenue for the state due to the sales tax exemption on menstrual and maternity products is approximately $13 million. It is important to note that the exemption applies only to state-level sales taxes, allowing counties and municipalities to collect their own local sales taxes unless they pass ordinances to extend the exemption.

Mary Claire Wooten, a reporter who can be reached at mwooten@our website, has reported extensively on these developments. The search for more information about Mary Claire Wooten, however, yields no relevant results at this time.

The Alabama Senate followed with unanimous approval in May, sending the bill to Governor Kay Ivey's desk. Governor Ivey later signed HB152 into law, marking a significant step forward in the state's efforts to support families and alleviate financial burdens.

The sales tax exemption on menstrual products, maternity products, baby formula, bottles, wipes, breast pumps, diapers, and maternity clothing will take effect on September 1, 2023. These changes, along with the expanded paid parental leave, represent an effort to support families and provide essential relief in Alabama.