SPRINGFIELD – To make vital personal care products more affordable, state Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) has introduced legislation lowering the state sales tax on male and female condoms, incontinence products, diapers and baby wipes.

“Items such as condoms, baby wipes, diapers and incontinence products are classified as luxuries under current tax laws. I don’t think any parent, or any couple planning their future family, would consider those products to be luxurious,” Aquino said. “By reducing the sales tax on these important products, the legislation will improve personal and public health outcomes, especially for people living on a limited budget.”

The products included under Aquino’s legislation are presently classified as luxury items and taxed at 6.25 percent. The proposed law would tax prophylactics, baby wipes and incontinence products at 1 percent , the same rate used for modifications to automobiles used by people with disabilities, groceries, drugs and medical devices.

The legislation, Senate Bill 2881, was approved by the Senate Revenue Committee. It awaits consideration by the full Senate.