With businesses everywhere stocking up on personal protective equipment, or simply PPE, at least one state lawmaker is working to gain a little additional relief for those companies in the form of tax exemptions on the purchase of that gear.
State Sen. Aric Nesbitt on Thursday introduced legislation to aid businesses and individuals with the purchasing of personal protective equipment as the state continues to navigate the coronavirus crisis.
Nesbitt argues, “Families and small businesses are incurring increased expenses trying to keep up with the recommended safety measures,” and adds, “My legislation to exempt personal protective equipment from sales and use taxes would provide some relief to those who are already struggling and encourage people to follow safety protocols.”
The Lawton Republican’s Senate Bills 1026 and 1027 would exclude certain protective equipment from state sales and use taxes. Items listed as exempt in the legislation include:
- Breathing masks, face shields and respirators…
- Protective gloves, safety glasses and goggles…
- Disinfecting products, including antibacterial soap, disinfecting spray, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer…
Nesbitt contends, “Small businesses, first responders, teachers, seniors and many others are doing their best to get used to the new normal, and my legislation would provide further relief as we work to safely get our state back on its feet.”
SBs 1026 and 1027 have been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for further review and consideration.
