California Tampon Tax Repeal Approved In Assembly, Moves To Senate

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Lawmakers are moving one step closer to repealing sales tax on feminine hygiene products.

The California Assembly voted 68-0 Thursday to pass AB1561 to the state Senate.

The proposal by Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia of Bell Gardens would exempt tampons, pads, menstrual cups and menstrual sponges from the state's 7.5 percent sales tax.

Supporters say the tax unfairly burdens women who have little choice but to purchase the products.

At least six other states are considering similar legislation.

Feminine hygiene products are already excluded from sales taxes in five other states.

Canada decided last year to scrap tampon taxes. In March, the European Union gave the United Kingdom and other member nations the go-ahead to do the same.