Should Masks Be Taxed? One RI Lawmaker Says No

PROVIDENCE, RI — Two years into the pandemic, it's very clear that masks will be a part of regular life until further notice. With masks a necessary accessory until further notice, one lawmaker is calling for an exemption from state sales tax.

Sen. Valerie Lawson said that making mask sales tax-free would lessen "the financial cost for families protecting themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19."

"As much as we all want it to end, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us and we must make it as easy as possible for our residents to protect themselves from the virus," Lawson said. "Since there is only so much supply of free masks, we have to remove the barriers to wearing these masks effectively, which means using them once as intended."

Lawson's bill would amend the state tax code to categorize disposable and fabric masks as clothing. Since 2012, the state has exempted clothing and shoe sales up to $250 from sales tax.