Rep. Luxenberg Proposes Exempting Baby Diapers from Sales Tax

An announcement from the office of state Rep. Kelly Luxenberg:

State Rep. Kelly Luxenberg (D-Manchester) introduced legislation that would exempt baby diapers and feminine hygiene products from the state’s sales tax.

Existing law exempts certain medical supplies and devices, but not feminine hygiene products such as tampons and menstrual pads, or baby diapers.

One of Rep. Luxenberg’s proposals, H.B. 6769, would add feminine hygiene products to a list of already-approved medically necessary supplies.

“Women, which make up more than half the state’s population, are unfairly taxed for something that is entirely out of their control,” Rep. Luxenberg said. “This is a regressive tax against women based solely on our biology.”

Another proposal that Rep. Luxenberg is championing, H.B. 6595, which has been referred to the Children’s Committee where she serves, calls for tax exemption on baby diapers.

“Diapers are a necessity for every baby in Connecticut,” Rep. Luxenberg said. “I was shocked when I learned that this essential product is taxed. There is a double-standard when baby diapers are taxed and adult diapers are not under the medical exemption.”

Rep. Kelly Luxenberg is serving her first legislative term. She serves on the legislature’s Aging, Children and Labor & Public Employees Committees.

Photo: State Rep. Kelly Luxenberg, a Manchester Democrat (from her State House website)