Gov. Ivey signs law untaxing baby goods, feminine hygiene products

Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday ceremonially signed into law a bill known as the “pink tax” law removing the state sales tax on diapers, baby formula, feminine hygiene products and more.

House Bill 152 by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, also removes the state sales tax on baby wipes, breast milk pumping equipment and maternity clothing. Local governments are authorized to opt in and remove local taxes on these products as well.

“This is an important step forward to help new and growing families make ends meet in Alabama,” Alabama Arise said in a statement Thursday. “We’re grateful to the policymakers who supported it and to all of our members who advocated to help make it happen.”

Leaders of Alabama Arise, a nonprofit focus on policies to improve the lives of people of poverty, joined Ivey for the ceremonial signing on Thursday.

ACLU of Alabama said the bill is an important step to ensure the lowest cost possible for women going through pregnancy.

“When families struggle to afford diapers, it forces them to choose between their children’s health and other needs,” the organization said. “People who cannot afford menstrual products may use other household items to manage their period, or ration pads or tampons to make them last longer. This can contribute to poor physical health outcomes … By exempting these essential products from state sales tax, this bill will help alleviate economic hardship for families and ensure equitable access to necessary health and hygiene items.”

The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.