I will be reintroducing Senate Bill 576 of the 2023-2024 legislative session, which will establish a Sales Tax Holiday for the purchase of personal protective and emergency preparedness equipment.  This legislation was previously cosponsored by Senators Dillon, Stefano, Tartaglione, J. Ward and Costa.

This legislation is designed to encourage residents of the Commonwealth to purchase equipment necessary to prepare for emergencies. Two separate weeks within a year of the legislation becoming effective would be designated as “sales tax holidays” for emergency preparedness items, which would include, but not be limited to, portable generators that cost $3,000 or less, storm protection devices and emergency ladders that cost $300 or less, and other items that cost $75 or less, such as fire extinguishers, a self-contained first aid kit, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Several other states have offered similar sales tax holidays with great success. These tax-free weeks have increased awareness, purchasing and readiness for a critical time.  Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation, so our residents may be better prepared to handle emergencies. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions.