The Alabama Senate passed House Bill 152 on Tuesday, which will exempt baby and menstrual hygiene products from the state’s portion of sales and use taxes starting September 1, 2025. The bill, which passed unanimously in both chambers, aims to reduce the financial burden on families.
Sponsored by State Rep. Neil Rafferty (D-Birmingham) and backed in the Senate by State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), the legislation has garnered broad bipartisan support. The House approved it in March with unanimous backing.
The bill provides a three-year exemption on items such as diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, breast pumps, maternity clothing, and menstrual products like tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. The exemption applies only to the 4% state sales tax. Local governments can opt to implement similar exemptions through their own ordinances.
This measure is part of a broader initiative by lawmakers to reduce the cost of essential goods. In recent years, the Legislature has also focused on tax relief, including reducing the state’s grocery tax.
While the bill passed the Senate last year, it did not advance in the House during the final days of the legislative session.
The Alabama Department of Revenue will be responsible for creating rules and forms to implement the exemption. The measure is set to expire on August 31, 2028, unless extended by future legislation.
HB152 now heads to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for final approval. With only two legislative days remaining in the session, the bill is expected to be signed into law soon.
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