An effort to remove the state sales “pink tax” from feminine hygiene products and diapers is heading to the Senate floor for final passage. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s bill is in its fifth year in the legislature previously carried by former New Orleans Senator J.P. Morrell. Freeman said the bill has wide support.
“Everyone from Louisiana Right to Life, to the Feminist Majority of Louisiana, to STAR, to United Way, to Junior League of New Orleans and Baton Rouge to the Louisiana Association of Catholic Bishops,” said Freeman.
Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert questioned Freeman about how much removing the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products, along with child and adult diapers, would cost the state.
“Is this a $10-million fiscal note,” said Lambert. “I understand that it has a fiscal note. I do think it’s the right thing to do for the women and children especially because we have other items that are essential items like groceries that are tax-exempt,” said Freeman.
The legislation removes the collection of state sales tax on the designated items. Denham Springs Senator Rogers Pope asked how this would impact the collection of local sales for municipalities and parishes.
“But it would affect local people if in fact, it was a mandate, so you’re telling me it’s an option in this piece of legislation,” said Pope.
“It’s only an option,” Freeman responded.
Removing the 4.45% tax would cost the state $10.5 million. The bill passed in the house 62-32. If approved by the Senate and signed by the governor, the sales tax would end in July 2022.
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