Last week, GOP State Sen. Mike Padden from Washington State introduced Senate Bill 6554, which would exempt dietary supplements from sales and use tax. It was also co-sponsored by Republican Sens. Judy Warnick, Randi Becker and Lynda Wilson, alongside Democrat Sen. Bob Hasegawa.
According to the proposed bill, “The legislature acknowledges that good nutrition is essential to ensuring the health of Washington residents. Scientific research indicates that dietary supplements help in managing certain health conditions and are beneficial to overall health. Preventative care, such as the use of dietary supplements, not only promotes health but also offers significant health care cost savings.
“ … The legislature recognizes the need to reduce the tax burden on Washington residents by eliminating certain taxes on products intended to promote health and well-being. It is the intent of the legislature to permanently exempt dietary supplements from sales and use tax.”
Sen. Padden’s Olympia office told Vitamin Retailer that since this bill is currently in its early stages, a date for it to be voted on is yet to be determined.
