© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

Indiana could eliminate the retail sales tax on period products

Period products in a box.
Lauren Chapman
/
IPB News
Indiana’s tax on period products is one of the highest in the country, according to Alliance for Period Supplies.

Indiana currently charges 7% sales tax on products such as tampons, pads and menstrual cups. An amendment to a wide-reaching fiscal bill could make Indiana the 30th state to eliminate retail sales tax on feminine hygiene products.

Indiana’s tax on period products is one of the highest in the country, according to Alliance for Period Supplies.

Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) has been working to get language to exempt these products from the state retail tax since she was elected in 2016 and spoke in favor of the proposal in SB 256.

READ MORE: Fiscal bill's FSSA transparency advances for 'fair discussion' – but final language to be negotiated

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 765-275-1120. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues, including our project Civically, Indiana and our 2024 legislative bill tracker.

Hamilton said this is a “critically important change” and these products are essential to the health of people with periods.

“Just like food and prescriptions and medical devices, these products should be exempt from taxation,” she said.

The House approved the bill unanimously. It now heads back to the Senate where lawmakers expect to negotiate language in other sections of the bill.

Abigail is our health reporter. Contact them at aruhman@wboi.org.
Copyright 2024 IPB News. To see more, visit .

Abigail Ruhman

Can we count on your support?

Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members – generous people like you – for the majority of our funding. You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20. We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community.