TRENTON, N.J. – Face masks, which are required in all indoor spaces and outdoors when social distancing is not possible, have become a necessary accessory and should be treated as such under the law says Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips.
The GOP lawmaker sponsors legislation (A4938) exempting face coverings from New Jersey’s sales and use tax. Currently, only face masks used for medical purposes are not subject to the state sales tax.
“Mandated face masks and coverings, which are being used to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, should be treated similarly to medically-required equipment,” explained DePhillips (R-Bergen). “Gov. Phil Murphy signed executive orders requiring masks for everyone over 2 years old, but that hasn’t stopped tax-happy New Jersey from making a buck off our new burden. It’s unconscionable to continue to collect sales tax on protective face masks while we are in the middle of a public health crisis.”
The bill in the Senate (S3133) is sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado.