SALT LAKE CITY — A new bill in the Utah State Legislature would create a sales-tax exemption for diapers and feminine hygiene products sold in the state.
Rep. Susan Duckworth, D-Magna, released House Bill 202, which carves a sales and use tax exemption for infant diapers, tampons, maxi-pads and other feminine products. The bill would also carve an exemption for incontinence products.
In an interview with FOX 13 on Tuesday afternoon, Duckworth said the state and county sales taxes added up for families that have children, the elderly and even adult women.
“Hygiene is a human right. Men and women should not be taxed for those things that are medically necessary,” Duckworth said. “From the time we’re young until the time we die, at one point in our life we will be using one or more of these items.”
Duckworth said her bill does not yet have a fiscal note, but she estimated the tax savings to consumers would be at least $30 per year.
“It doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you’re raising a family, putting a spouse through school or counting pennies it all adds up,” she said.
The bill was just introduced and would have to go before the Rules Committee to determine if the Utah State Legislature will hear it.
