Rep. Martin files bill to create tax holiday for baby products

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tennessee Rep. Greg Martin from Hamilton County filed a bill on Thursday to create a tax holiday for some baby products. He hopes, if passed, this will ease the cost of parenthood.

House Bill 1637 would make diapers, infant formula and baby wipes tax-free.

The tax holiday would last a year, taking place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

Rep. Martin made this statement on the proposed legislation:

“I know how expensive diapers and other products can be. This legislation will ease the financial burden on parents and allow them devote more money to their children. We must do all we can to assist new parents, and keeping more of their hard-earned money is a good start. Being pro-life certainly means protecting the unborn, who are the most vulnerable in our society. But it also means helping out mothers and new families after birth, and I hope this legislation will make life easier during one of the most important periods in a parent’s life.”

Infant formula can cost more than $1,200 in the first year of birth, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

Additionally, diapers cost an average of about $1,000 a year. Plus, 47% of U.S. families reported being in need of diapers in 2023, and 46% said they had to cut back on other essentials to buy diapers.

A new legislative session begins next week. This bill must still be voted on and approved for the tax holiday to go into effect.