SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois lawmaker wants to eliminate the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products.

Grayslake Democratic state Senator Melinda Bush says tampons and other feminine hygiene products are not a luxury but a necessity.

Bush says the so called “pink tax” on hygiene items and other women’s products is an example of inequity. Her plan also would eliminate the tax on incontinence products.

The bill passed a senate committee, although lawmakers want it made by rule instead of passing a new state law.

An all-male committee of Utah lawmakers voted to keep the sales tax on feminine hygiene products in February. They argued it was an effort to keep their state’s tax system predictable.

Pennsylvania and Minnesota have eliminated taxes on feminine hygiene products. California has seen similar plans this year to eliminate the tax.

 

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.