Committee backs exempting prescription eyewear from sales tax, citing access concerns

Representative Malloy and witnesses argued HB 99 would align tax policy with medical necessity by classifying prescription eyewear as prosthetic devices exempt from sales tax. "Taxing it treats a medical necessity like a discretionary purchase," Representative Malloy said, asking the committee to remove the sales tax on corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Dr. Mark Taylor of the Optometrists Association told the committee that about 70% of the population wears some form of corrective lenses and that about 25% of schoolchildren currently wear prescription eyewear; he said tax on eyewear is effectively a health‑care cost that affects families and seniors. Public commenters, including Dr. Kayleen Fransen and Dr. Ross Chatwin, described patients who delay or struggle to afford eyewear because of the added sales tax; Chatwin cited a case of specialty contact lenses that can cost more than $1,000 and create high out‑of‑pocket burdens.

Representative Wynne moved to favorably recommend HB 99; the committee passed the motion by voice vote with no opposition.

What happens next: HB 99 will move from committee with a favorable recommendation to the next legislative steps; fiscal implications will be considered as the bill advances.