BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, is spearheading a legislative initiative aimed at removing local and state taxes from essential feminine hygiene and baby products, including bottles and wipes, with the goal of providing financial relief to women and mothers.
Inspired by his attendance at a recent tax policy conference, Orr expressed disappointment at Alabama’s inclusion among states that impose taxes on products vital to women’s monthly needs and the care of infants.
“It just struck me as something that should not be, particularly in a state that claims it’s very pro-life and pro-children,” remarked Orr.
The proposed bill advocates for the exemption of items such as baby wipes, maternity clothing, bottles, diapers, and feminine hygiene products from taxation. Orr contends that taxing women on these essential items is unjust.
“With feminine products, why are we taxing 50 percent of our population during a period of their lives that certainly doesn’t seem very fair either,” questioned Orr.
Alabama currently ranks among the 20 states that levy taxes on feminine products, and among the 26 states with a sales tax on items like diapers.
“The tax in this situation around the state, when you include state and local taxes, can be around 10-11 percent for these items, so it’s quite substantial,” noted Orr.
He further emphasized that eliminating taxes on these products could result in a significant financial impact on the state and various municipalities.
“The state would be a little less than $10 million dollars, and the cost for local government would again spread all across the state, for the local taxes would be $11-12 million,” explained Orr. “So you’re not talking about a whole lot of money when you consider the multibillion-dollar state budget.”
The proposed legislation is slated for consideration and a vote during the upcoming legislative session in February. If passed, the bill is scheduled to take effect in October 2024.
