State representatives tucked the provision striking the so-called “pink tax” into SB26.
That bill also allows teachers to claim a $250 state income tax deduction for school supplies they purchase and strikes a provision in the last state budget making lawyers and lobbyists ineligible for business tax exemptions. Under SB26, those professions will still be eligible for the same exemptions on their first $250,000 of income that other businesses are offered. House Speaker Larry Householder says there is no way for the state to enforce the prohibitions on the tax deductions for those groups because the Ohio Department of Taxation doesn’t ask for occupation on state tax forms. The version of SB26 the House passed would change that, however, requiring that information on the forms — a move that could shed new light on the effectiveness of the business tax deduction, Householder said.
State Rep. Brigid Kelly of Cincinnati, a Democrat, originally sponsored legislation removing the pink tax with Republican State. Rep. Niraj Antani of Dayton.
“Through the sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene period products included in this bill, we are making medically necessary products more accessible to women and girls in our state, ensuring they are better able to lead a healthful life, to regularly attend school, work or personal events, and to fully participate in their communities,” Kelly said in a statement.
Eliminating the tax is expected to save consumers $4 million a year.
State representatives passed SB26 unanimously. The bill now heads back to the Senate, which must approve the changes, and then to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk for his signature.
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This article appears in Oct 9-15, 2019.