SB 379 by Huffman: Wound Care Dressing and Menstrual Product Sales Tax Exemption

SB 379 seeks to add wound care dressings and menstrual products sold for the principal purpose of feminine hygiene in connection with the menstrual cycle to the list of sales tax-exempt items. Approving such an exemption would subsequently narrow the tax base and leave less revenue for tax relief that could benefit everyone, as opposed to only those who would purchase such products. Sales taxes should tax all final consumer purchases, without regard to whether items are classified as necessities or luxuries. Exempting such products from the sales tax base would result in less revenue for the state, leading to higher overall rates in the long run if spending is also not simultaneously cut to make up for the shortfall. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 379.