State senators in Ohio voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a bill that would eliminate sales tax on everyday items for infants. If it becomes law, Ohio would join around two dozen other states that don’t tax diapers.
While the legislation isn’t headed to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk yet, there are multiple ways it could soon benefit residents in the state, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
One possibility is that provisions included in Senate Bill 89 would be folded into the state’s budget bill, scheduled for final approval this month. Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R) said he favors this option. Additionally, the legislation could be considered by the state’s House of Representatives as a standalone bill. DeWine has already voiced support of nixing sales tax on baby necessities.
“The chances of the diaper tax break becoming law are good,” said the Dispatch. It would save parents and guardians between $23.4 million and $38.6 million, per fiscal notes from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 28 states in the U.S. charged sales tax on diapers ranging from 4% to 7% as of June 1. Babies need around 50 diaper changes a week, so these tax costs can add up – the network said families could afford two diapers for every percentage point tax reduction.
“A removal of sales tax from such products would ease the financial burden of raising children, and encourage people nationwide to start their family in Ohio,” said State Sen. Tim Shaffer (R). “This bill demonstrates that Ohio is truly pro-child and pro-family.”
Also, Ohio’s legislation isn’t limited to just diapers.
“Senate Bill 39 recognizes the basic, necessary role that everyday baby items, such as diapers, strollers, and car seats, play in raising a baby, while also providing additional financial savings during a time when families face immense expenses when preparing for and welcoming a new child into their lives,” said Erin Ryan, director of the Center for Maternal & Young Child Health at Groundwork Ohio, during a testimony in support of the bill.
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