Skip to Content

Bill proposed to make feminine hygiene products tax-free in Arkansas

Click here for updates on this story

    LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (KFSM) — Arkansas State Representative Aaron Pilkington (R-Knoxville) has introduced a bill that would exempt feminine hygiene products for sales and use tax.

If passed, this bill would make tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, and other similar feminine hygiene products tax-free items.

Pilkington introduced the bill on December 31, 2020 along with Sen. Breanne Davis (R-Davis). The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Austin McCollum (R-Bentonville), Carlton Wing (R-North Little Rock), Denise Jones Ennett (D-Little Rock), and Sen. Trent Garner (R-El Dorado).

Several U.S. states have passed bills exempting feminine products from sales tax. In March 2020, the Washington Senate voted unanimously to exempt the products.

According to Period Equity, an organization dedicated solely to ensuring accessible, affordable and safe menstrual products, there are currently 30 states that do not allow tax-free feminine products. Arkansas is one of them.

The organization argues that paying sales tax for feminine hygiene products is an “unfair and discriminatory economic burden.” The organization also claims states profit an estimated $130 million annually from it.

If approved, the new exemptions would take effect on the first day of the calendar quarter following its approval.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Article Topic Follows: National-World

Jump to comments ↓

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content