Bill > HB1218

This bill amends Tennessee's sales and use tax laws to create a new tax exemption for menstrual hygiene products. Specifically, the legislation defines "menstrual hygiene products" as items used by women related to menstruation or genital-tract secretions, which explicitly include tampons, pads, liners, menstrual cups, and douches, whether they are reusable or disposable. By adding this exemption, the bill ensures that these essential personal health products will no longer be subject to sales tax, effectively reducing their cost for consumers. The tax exemption will go into effect on July 1, 2025, giving state tax systems time to prepare for the change. This type of legislation is part of a broader movement to address "period poverty" by making menstrual products more affordable and accessible by removing sales tax, which is often considered an unnecessary financial burden on women and people who menstruate.