WASHINGTON — The sales tax on tampons, sanitary napkins and diapers in the District could be coming to an end.
The D.C. Council on Tuesday passed for the second and final time a bill exempting feminine-hygiene products, as well as diapers for children and adults, from the District’s sales tax.
The bill was authored by At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds, who said in a statement, “Women, babies, and persons with disabilities who need these products should not be taxed for natural bodily functions.”
Five states have eliminated taxes on tampons, and several others have gotten rid of taxes on diapers.
Items that are already exempt from taxes in the District include pacemakers, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and prescription drugs, including erectile-dysfunction drugs.
Another Bonds-authored bill passed Tuesday requires landlords of rent-controlled apartments who seek conditional rent increases to prove they are actually losing money on the property.
Both bills go to Mayor Muriel Bowser. If she approves them, they go in for congressional review.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
