NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A proposal to include feminine hygiene products during Tennessee’s annual sales-tax holiday faced resistance Tuesday from lawmakers concerned about the lack of limit on on such purchases.
The legislation is the latest evolution of a push to eliminate the so-called “tampon tax” on items such as tampons and menstrual pads.
The bill would allow these products to be tax free during Tennessee’s three day weekend where certain goods – ranging from $1,500 computers to $100 clothing items – can be purchased tax free. The weekend is held the last Friday in July, when most families are preparing for the new school year.
However, Republicans inside the GOP-dominant Statehouse have pushed back against such proposals to remove the “tampon tax” over the years.
“I would think since it’s a sales tax holiday, there’s really no limit on the number of items anybody can purchase,” said Sen. Joey Hensley, a Republican from Hohenwald, while debating against the bill Tuesday. “I don’t know how you would limit the number of items someone could purchase.”