Bipartisan Georgia bill would eliminate sales tax on baby, menstrual products

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A bipartisan bill moving through the Georgia General Assembly would eliminate the state’s 4% sales tax on diapers, baby formula and menstrual products.

Supporters say the measure would recognize the items as essential goods and ease financial pressure on families across the state.

Currently in Georgia, prescription drugs, medical devices and most groceries are exempt from sales tax. Diapers and feminine hygiene products are not.

“This should have happened years and years ago. These are necessity products,” said Ira Katz of Little Five Points Pharmacy in Atlanta.

Advocates say the cost adds up over time.

The National Organization for Women estimates the average woman spends about $18,000 on period products over her lifetime, and another roughly $1,000 would go toward taxes.

Government assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC, do not cover diapers.

The Georgia Diaper Bank Coalition estimates removing the diaper tax would save the average family about $80 per child. Diaper banks across the state distribute more than 1.4 million diapers each year to families in need.

“If families don’t have enough diapers for daycare, those parents and caregivers can’t get to work,” said Erin Campbell of the Athens Area Diaper Bank.

Similar proposals have been introduced in previous legislative sessions, largely led by Democratic lawmakers, but failed to gain traction. This year, the effort is being spearheaded by Republican state Sen. Randy Robertson, the Senate Majority Whip.

“I grew up in a house of nothing but women. I have two daughters. I have a wife. I’ve got nothing but sisters, and I was raised primarily by my mom,” said Robertson.

Robertson said he handles the shopping in his household and understands how quickly the cost of period supplies can add up. While eliminating the tax would cost the state millions of dollars in revenue, he said the issue comes down to prioritizing families.

“Men should not be embarrassed by it. It’s the reality,” Robertson said.

The bill must clear a committee vote before advancing to the Senate floor ahead of Crossover Day.

Robertson said he believes the measure has bipartisan support and hopes it will ultimately reach Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk.

If passed, Georgia would join a growing number of states that have eliminated sales taxes on menstrual and baby care products.