State Rep. Mark Shirey, R—Mobile, has filed a bill to remove the state sales tax on optical aids such as eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Alabama is one of just five states in the US that taxes these vital aids.
An optometrist by trade, Shirey said the tax can put the sellers of eyewear at a disadvantage and can slap the individual needing the aids with unexpected costs.
“People don’t realize that vision insurance doesn’t cover taxes,” Shirey said. “Even if your plan says it will cover a pair of glasses, patients still have to pay the taxes on those.”
Shirey said that can lead to confusion and frustration on the end of the buyer.
Alabama last year passed a law removing the state sales tax on hearing aids. Shirey also filed this bill late in the last session, but it did not have time to make it to committee.
Shirey said he is hopeful that pre-filing the bill ahead of the session this year will give the legislation the momentum it needs to become law.
The bill does not address county or municipal taxes on optical aids, but Shirey said he wants to encourage local governments to join the state in dropping taxes on these essential items.
The LSA has not yet completed an analysis on the estimated cost of removing the tax, which is something Shirey said he hopes will help him with passing the bill.
The session begins the first week of February.
