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Bill to exempt common school-supply purchases from sales tax presented; sponsor plans narrower amendment
Summary
Sen. Coleman’s bill would exempt common school-supply items from Minnesota sales tax; the sponsor said amendment language is forthcoming to narrow the exemption to parents/guardians and exclude businesses.
Senate File 749, introduced by Senator Coleman and heard Feb. 5, would exempt a long list of commonly purchased school supplies from Minnesota sales tax. Items discussed at the hearing included binders, calculators, composition books, cellophane tape, blackboard chalk, backpacks priced $60 or less (the sponsor said not hiking backpacks), highlighters, poster boards and other consumables parents commonly buy.
Sponsor remarks and intent: Senator Coleman described the measure as a way to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families and teachers and said the bill is “intended simply for parents who are buying school supplies for their children.” She acknowledged the draft before the committee was broader than intended — including purchases by businesses — and told the committee she expected amendment language that would narrow the exemption to household purchases (guardians/parents) and remove businesses from eligibility. She said parents spend about $300 per child on school supplies and gave a personal example that three children approaching kindergarten could cost nearly $1,000 in supplies.
Testimony and nonprofit perspective: Corey Gordon, CEO of Kids In Need Foundation, testified in support and described the organization’s work providing free school supplies to under-resourced teachers and students. Gordon said, “We currently provide anywhere from 50 to $75,000,000 worth of free school supplies across The US each year,” and described outcomes the foundation attributes to providing supplies (improvements in class participation, confidence, interest in learning). Gordon and others stressed that many teachers currently use personal funds to supply students’ needs.
Fiscal context and next steps: Committee discussion noted the draft revenue estimate produced a large biennial number that the sponsor described as unsustainable; the sponsor and staff said a narrower amendment (to exclude businesses and target parents/guardians) is forthcoming and should sharply reduce the fiscal cost. For now, the bill was laid over for further consideration once amendment language and a revised fiscal estimate are available.
Votes and formal actions: No roll-call vote; SF 749 was laid over for possible omnibus consideration pending a narrower amendment and updated fiscal estimates.
