HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Governor Kay Ivey signed a new bill Friday that was well-timed for Mother’s Day weekend.
The measure ends state sales taxes on several items purchased by expectant and new mothers, and it ends the state’s tax on feminine hygiene products.
The 4% state sales tax cut will go into effect Sept. 1. That’s the same day Alabama will cut the state sales tax on groceries by another cent, down to 2%. The measure does not address city and county sales taxes. Those cuts would have to take place on the local level.
Products that will be exempt from state sales tax starting Sept. 1 include baby bottles, formula, breast pumps and related products. Also, diapers, baby wipes and maternity clothing will be exempt from state sales taxes.
The tax cut will also apply to menstrual hygiene products.
Ivey issued the following statement after signing the bill that was sponsored by Alabama Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham.
“Alabama is proudly the most pro-life state in America, and we remain committed to doing all we can to support our moms. As we head into Mother’s Day weekend, I am excited to sign HB152 for all of our Alabama moms,” Ivey said.
Along with the grocery tax cut and the measure Ivey signed Friday, this year the Alabama Legislature also approved a family leave measure for teachers and updated the state’s Medicaid law to ensure low-income pregnant women can see a doctor in the first trimester of their pregnancy.
Robyn Hyden is the executive director of Alabama Arise, a non-partisan coalition that advocates for low-income and working families in Alabama. Hyden said this year the legislature took a number of positive steps on behalf of women and low-income families.
“Personally, I think this demonstrates when one party is in power and is governing, they do have to bring home real support for their voters,” she said. “You can only do so much, you know, that gives away to your big donors or corporate interests, before voters start to ask, how is this any different? How is my life better? I think whoever is governing in our state or in D.C., they’re going to have to make the case that they have meaningfully helped their voters.”
You can read the bill Ivey signed Friday, House Bill 152, below.
The state legislature will meet again on Wednesday.
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