Via Shutterstock

Via Shutterstock

The District’s so-called “tampon tax” has eliminated; pending further approval.

The D.C. Council approved on Tuesday the final passage of the “Feminine Hygiene and Diapers Sales Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2016,” which will eliminate the sales tax on feminine hygiene products and diapers for kids and adults.

“This legislation will especially help low to moderate income mothers manage these costly expenses,” At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds said in a release. She introduced the bill in April.

Currently, prescription and nonprescription drugs as well as other medical necessities, such as pacemakers, wheelchairs, crutches, and artificial limbs, are exempt from sales tax in D.C. Grocery items, which include candy, aren’t taxed either. But tampons, which cost women about $61.11 per year, are among the items that are charged the city’s 5.75 percent sales tax.

As a push to end the “tampon tax” makes national headlines, a handful of states, including Maryland, have already eliminated taxes for feminine hygiene products. Several states have cut taxes on diapers.

D.C.’s bill must now be approved by Mayor Muriel Bowser and sent to Congress.