Colorado becomes latest state to axe tax on diapers and tampons after bi-partisan law was signed

Colorado has become the latest state to ditch sales tax on diapers and tampons thanks to a new law that came into force on Wednesday.

Adult and baby diapers, tampons, pads, menstrual cups, sponges, sanitary napkins, and panty liners are all now tax-free in the state.

The new law will save Coloradans a combined $9.1million annually, the state said.

‘This new bi-partisan law finally ends the sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products permanently and starts saving people money on these necessary products,’ Gov. Jared Polis aid in news release on Monday.

Individuals spend about $15 per month on period products, according to the Women’s Foundation of Colorado.

Diapers cost even more, with families paying around $75 a month per child.

‘Eliminating the sale taxes on diapers, period, and incontinence products will help improve the affordability of these essential items in a time where inflated prices are hitting working families hard,’ said state Rep. Susan Lontine, who sponsored the bill, according to Yahoo News.

The law will help destigmatize hygiene products, said Rep. Leslie Herod, who also sponsored the bill.

One in five American teens struggles to afford menstrual products, according to a study commissioned by Thinx and PERIOD.

‘This is about dignity,’ said state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis in a statement. ‘The more we can make these products affordable, the more access folks will have to these essential products, and the more money folks across our state will save.’

It comes as legislators are attempting to reduce costs for low income families during a surge in inflation across the US.

The state announced plans to send Coloradans at least $500 for individual filers and $1000 for joint filers in tax rebates to provide immediate relief.

It also granted citizens property tax relief for homeowners, worth $474 on average over three years, the state claimed.

A full list of the state’s ‘100 Ways the Polis Administration is Saving Coloradans Money’ can be found here.

Countries such as the UK and Germany have abolished the tampon tax outright, following calls from women’s’ rights activists.