51 by 51

Lowered the tax on essential personal hygiene products

Delegate Kathy Byron’s legislation to lower the tax on essential personal hygiene products was signed Wednesday by Governor Ralph Northam. The legislation lowers the sales tax on these products, including menstrual supplies and incontinence diapers, from 5.3 percent to 2.5 percent.

These products are necessary to the health and well-being of Virginians, and are often necessary and not used by choice. The legislation brings the tax rate for these products in line with grocery and food, consistent with Virginia’s record of recognizing that essentials and basic necessities should be taxed at a lower rate.

The final budget agreement recognizes this reduced tax rate, which will reduce state revenue by $1.5 million per year.

Lowering the tax on essential personal hygiene products is another one of the 51 accomplishments by the 51 members of the Republican-led House of Delegates.