A Florida Senate committee has approved a bill that could provide a tax exemption for diapers and incontinence products.
The Florida Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 60 on Monday.
The bill will now head to the Senate's Finance and Tax Committee before reaching the Appropriations Committee. The bill that would be effective Jan. 1, 2020, will be voted on during the 2019 legislative session that starts March 5.
There are more than 250 different tax exemptions, exclusions, deductions and credits in Florida for medical products and supplies considered necessary to human health, according to a Senate bill analysis and fiscal impact statement.
Such items include ostomy pouches, catheters, mastectomy pads, alcohol wipes and baby food.
The Senate analysis has not yet estimated the fiscal impact for the state if the bill passes. However, officials project the impact on the private sector would be "indeterminate, but positive" as consumers will see a price reduction for diapers and incontinence products, while healthcare and childcare-related business will also see a reduction in costs.
Senate Bill 60: Tax Exemption for Diapers and Incontinence Products:
Local
"Tax Exemption for Diapers and Incontinence Products; Exempting the sale for human use of diapers, incontinence undergarments, incontinence pads, or incontinence liners from the sales and use tax, etc."
