MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A bill to eliminate Alabama’s state sales tax on baby care, feminine hygiene, and maternity products has received broad bipartisan support and will be considered by a Senate committee next week. The bill, House Bill 152, passed the House unanimously last Thursday.
Introduced by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, the bill aims to provide financial relief to families. “Every penny counts when raising a child, and this bill helps put money back into the pockets of working families,” Rafferty said.
Currently, Alabama imposes a 4% state sales tax on these items, which can reach up to 11% with local taxes. HB152 would remove the state tax and allow local governments to reduce or eliminate their own sales taxes on these products.
The bill was amended to include adult diapers, gaining the support of 11 House members, including both Republicans and Democrats. Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, who has supported the bill, said it would help both young families and seniors.
The bill is expected to cost the state around $10.5 million annually, with local governments potentially losing up to $14.4 million in tax revenue. However, lawmakers have expressed support for the bill, with Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, and DuBose downplaying fiscal concerns.
Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, who sponsors the bill in the Senate, called the tax cut “logical,” emphasizing the need to support families and reduce unnecessary tax burdens. The bill now heads to the Senate with strong momentum.
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