JEFFERSON CITY — A plan to slash the sales tax rate for diapers and feminine hygiene products is making its way through the Missouri House.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis, would lower the sales tax on child diapers, adult diapers, tampons, pads, liners and menstrual cups from the current 4.225% to 1.225% — the same rate charged for food sales in Missouri.

Lawmakers have dumped the sales tax reduction in the past, as the overall cost to the state has caused discomfort. But backers, during a hearing Wednesday, said the state could help ease family financial burdens during a time of high inflation.

The plan has also reemerged at a time when Missouri is experiencing a “historic budget surplus,” according to Gov. Mike Parson.

“We’re kind of in this time of everything is so expensive, everything has risen,” said Rep. Dottie Bailey, R-Eureka, who is sponsoring a similar proposal. “It’s difficult — especially the single moms out there.”

This year, a fiscal analysis estimates Aldridge’s measure would cost the state up to $38 million in lost general revenue once the plan is fully implemented in fiscal year 2024.

The reduction in the sales tax rate for adult diapers is estimated to be the most costly: The analysis said the state could lose $28 million by reducing the sales tax rate.

The state budgeted more than $10 billion in general revenue for the current fiscal year.

“Right now, we have a chance in Missouri to be a better place for so many people, to be a more just state, to be a more empathetic state,” Aldridge said.

If signed into law, the reduction would take effect on Oct. 1. The House Ways and Means Committee did not vote on the legislation Wednesday.

If the full House approves the legislation, it will move to the Senate for consideration.

The legislation is House Bill 2272.

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Jack Suntrup covers state government and politics for the Post-Dispatch.

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