Genda Proposes Nixing Tax on Hygiene Products

State Rep. Mark Genda’s (R-Frankfort) bipartisan legislation to exempt feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products from the Indiana sales tax was recently added to the budget in House Bill 1001.

In the United States, women are estimated to spend an additional $20 on feminine hygiene products per month while aging adults are estimated to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on incontinence products per month.  Genda said his legislation, previously House Bill 1042, would eliminate the sales tax on these products to reduce costs for these necessities.  

“By eliminating the sales tax on these necessary items, I’m hoping we can ease some financial stress for Hoosiers,” Genda said. “This is a common-sense, bipartisan provision to help Hoosiers and I’m pleased it was included in the House budget.”  

In 2022, Indiana passed a sales tax exemption on children’s diapers to make them more affordable for families. This bill would extend the exemption to include items like tampons, pads and adult incontinence products. The state estimates sales taxes on feminine hygiene products brings in round $5 million annually.

House Bill 1001 passed the House and will now head to the Senate for further consideration.

For more information on HB 1001 and to track legislation, watch committee hearings and session proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.

Genda represents House District 41,which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.