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Bill

Bill

A 5220

Establishes a sales tax exemption for school supplies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Harry Bronson and 13 co-sponsors

Bill A 5220 exempts sales tax on school supplies, easing costs for families and students during back-to-school shopping, making education more affordable.

REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
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Bill Summary · A 5220

Summary of Bill A 5220: Sales Tax Exemption for School Supplies

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5220 aims to establish a sales tax exemption specifically for school supplies. The intent of this legislation is to alleviate the financial burden on families and students by reducing the overall cost of essential educational materials. This initiative recognizes the importance of accessible education and seeks to support students and parents during back-to-school shopping periods.

Key Provisions

  • Sales Tax Exemption: The bill proposes a complete exemption from state sales tax on designated school supplies. This exemption would apply to a wide range of items typically required for school, including but not limited to:

    • Notebooks
    • Pencils and pens
    • Backpacks
    • Art supplies
    • Calculators
  • Implementation Timeline: While the specific implementation date is not detailed in the current version of the bill, it is expected that the exemption would be in effect during peak shopping periods, particularly before the start of the school year.

  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill does not specify income thresholds or restrictions, indicating that the exemption would be available to all consumers purchasing qualifying school supplies.

Affected Parties

  • Students and Families: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students and their families, who will experience reduced costs when purchasing necessary school supplies.
  • Retailers: Local businesses and retailers selling school supplies may see an increase in sales volume due to the incentivized purchasing environment created by the tax exemption.

Legislative Status

  • Current Status: As of February 12, 2025, Bill A 5220 has been referred to the Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. This is an important step in the legislative process, as the committee will review the bill's provisions and determine its viability for advancement to the full legislative body.

Related Legislation

  • A 10712: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues regarding school supplies or tax exemptions.
  • A 4431: Another prior-session bill that could be relevant to the discussions surrounding educational funding or tax policy.

Conclusion

Bill A 5220 represents a significant effort to support educational accessibility by providing a sales tax exemption for school supplies. If passed, it could lead to substantial savings for families, making essential educational materials more affordable. The bill is currently under review, and its progress will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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