Tampons, diapers exempt from sales tax under Louisiana lawmaker's proposal

Louisiana state Sen. JP Morrell, D-New Orleans, is looking to exempt diapers, tampons and other feminine hygiene products from sales taxes. That would require an amendment to the state Constitution.

Morrell has filed Senate Bill 24 to ban state sales tax from being applied to cloth and disposable diapers size 7 and smaller, as well as tampons, menstrual pads, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, menstrual sponges and menstrual cups. The legislation would also give local governments the option of not collecting local taxes on these items. "This has been an issue that has bothered me for years," Morrell said.

Making the change requires two-thirds approval of the Legislature during its 2017 regular session ththat starts April 10. Then voters would have their say in a statewide referendum in the fall. If approved, the exemption would take effect in January, according the draft legislation.

The Constitution already forbids taxing sales of food purchased for home consumption (not restaurant meals), residential utilities and prescription drugs. If Morrell's bill is approved, feminine hygiene products and diapers would be added to the list.

Read more: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/03/louisiana_tampon_tax.html