Michigan Senate Votes To End 'Tampon Tax'

MICHIGAN — The Michigan Senate voted Tuesday to repeal taxes on feminine hygiene products, otherwise known as a “tampon tax.” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign Senate Bill 153 into law.

Sens. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) and Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) sponsored and have advocated for this legislation in the state Senate since 2019.

“Menstrual hygiene products are a necessity, not a luxury, and should be exempt from taxes like so many other medically necessary prescriptions and items,” Sen. McMorrow said in a statement. “I’m pleased to see our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers, prioritize taking this important step toward more fair tax policy."

Currently, menstrual products, which are medically necessary, have 6 percent sales and use state tax added on when purchased — which has been litigated as a violation of the Equal Protection Clause in both the Michigan and U.S. constitutions.

According to Forbes, 14 states and the District of Columbia have already eliminated the sales and use tax on menstrual hygiene products, including Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California, among others.

“It’s past time Michigan joins a growing number of states across the nation in doing what is right by repealing the tampon tax, and I am honored to have helped see this legislation through to the Senate for a vote,” said Sen. Brinks, who sponsored Senate Bill 153. “This is a commonsense move that will reduce an unfair tax burden, and I’m appreciative of the bipartisan, bicameral support for this effort. I hope to see this legislation in front of the governor soon to be signed into law.”