SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah lawmaker is expected to reintroduce a bill that would eliminate taxes on diapers, tampons and other hygiene products.
Rep. Sue Duckworth, D-Magna, is behind the bill, which would exempt a variety of hygiene products from taxation.
“It's a bill that's going to benefit taxpayers: you and me,” she said.
The bill has raised eyebrows and faced a rocky road on Utah’s Capitol Hill. Last year, an all-male committee refused to consider it. This year, Duckworth says she'll be trying to educate lawmakers and get the public behind her in supporting it.
“It hits everyone,” Duckworth said. “The tax incentive will basically be afforded to almost every taxpayer."
Duckworth acknowledged her bill has financial risk, as it carries a $1.3 million fiscal note. But she believes the state will make up that loss of revenue in other ways.
“Those few cents that you're going to save on those items is going to go right back into the economy,” Duckworth said. “They're going to purchase milk or gas or baby food.”
The bill will be introduced in time for the 2017 legislative session. While Duckworth said she doesn't believe the measure will pass in 2017, she said she is hopeful for 2018.
