NC lawmaker introduces bill to eliminate sales tax on menstrual products

A bill introduced by State Rep. Monika Johnson-Hostler would grant an exemption for menstrual products from North Carolina’s retail sales and use tax, the North Carolina State House shows.

Labeled as HB 1079 and filed April 28 for the 2025 regular session, the legislation is officially abbreviated, “Menstrual Products Sales Tax Exemption.”

Our summary below draws directly from the actual bill text, offering clarification of its main provisions.

The legislation would remove the retail sales and use tax on menstrual products effective Oct. 1, 2026, for eligible transactions on or after that date. Menstrual products are defined in the bill as tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, and similar products designed for personal menstrual hygiene. Eliminating the sales tax on these items is expected to lower their financial burden for consumers.

Among the measure’s sponsors, Julie von Haefen introduced the most bills—33—during the 2025 regular session.

North Carolina bills pass through a multi-step legislative process. A lawmaker first files the bill, assigns it to a committee for evaluation, and it is read three times in each chamber. If one chamber amends a bill the other passed, both sides must ultimately agree to the final language. Once approved in both chambers, the legislation advances to the governor. The governor has 10 days to approve, veto or let it become law without a signature (extended to 30 days if the legislature has adjourned).

Find additional details on legislation and related measures here.

Johnson-Hostler is an alumna of Fayetteville State University, where she earned her BS degree.

Johnson-Hostler, a Democrat, was chosen in 2025 to represent North Carolina’s 33rd House district, succeeding former representative Rosa Gill.