$100 Million Tax Cut for Nursing Mothers Signed Into Law

(Sacramento) – Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) announced today that her bill to exempt breast pumps and related supplies from sales tax was signed into law by Governor Newsom.

“Families deserve a tax cut,” said Dr. Bains. “As the cost of living skyrockets, we must find ways to make food more affordable especially for babies and children. I would like to thank Governor Newsom for his support of this vital piece of legislation. I look forward to continuing to fight for families and children”.

AB 1203 is estimated to save families nearly $100 million in taxes over five years. The bill garnered strong support from maternal and child health experts, economic equity advocates, and labor champions, and enjoyed unanimous support in the legislature.

“As a family doctor, I am acutely aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child,” said Dr. Bains. “Babies who drink breastmilk have lower rates of short and long-term illnesses including asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome. For parents, breastfeeding is shown to protect against breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. We will see the public health benefits of this tax cut for years to come.”

California exempts several beginning of life necessities from taxation, including infant formula and baby diapers. Breast pumps were one of the few necessities that were still being taxed despite representing one of the only realistic options for working mothers to continue breastfeeding when they return to work. Beginning April 1, 2024, California’s sales tax will no longer burden parents who choose to breastfeed their babies.

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Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35^th Assembly District in Kern County which includes the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.