Nine states exempt diapers, tampons, or both from the sales tax.
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego, has introduced a bill that would to add California to that list.
Gonzalez Fletcher believes women should not have to pay extra for necessities like feminine hygiene products. And she said for many families, the cost of diapers really adds up.
“Sometimes, over $100 a month," she explained. "But parents do not have the luxury of choosing to buy diapers, nor do senior citizens or disabled or injured Californians who suffer from incontinence.”
To that end, the lawmaker's bill would exempt adult and baby diapers, and menstrual products from California's sales tax.
Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill last year, saying it would be too expensive.
This year's version would make up for lost revenue by raising the state alcohol tax on hard liquor by $1.20 per gallon. Wine and beer would not be included.
California’s alcohol tax, at $3.30 per gallon of distilled spirits, has not been raised since 1991.
