Appleton Area NOW Sued Wisconsin Over Period Tax
The advocacy group filed a lawsuit in Dane County challenging the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Appleton Area NOW has filed a lawsuit against Wisconsin, arguing that sales taxes on feminine hygiene products constitute sex-based discrimination. The legal challenge comes after the state legislature declined to hold hearings on bills that sought to repeal the tax.
Why it matters
Proponents of the lawsuit argue that menstrual care products should be tax-exempt, similar to other medical supplies. The move seeks to remove a financial burden that activists claim unfairly impacts users solely based on their sex.
Wisconsin remains one of 18 states that do not exempt menstrual products from sales tax, despite 32 other states having already eliminated these levies. The tax currently affects 11% of lower-income women across the state.
The players
Appleton Area NOW
This is a local chapter of the National Organization for Women that focuses on advancing women's rights and equity.
Lee Snodgrass
She is a state representative who introduced legislation earlier in 2026 aiming to eliminate the sales tax on feminine hygiene products.
The details
The lawsuit, filed in Dane County Circuit Court, cites the fact that the FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices while federal law recognizes them as qualified medical expenses. The plaintiffs highlight that Wisconsin exempts other items, such as Viagra, from sales tax.
Timeline
Earlier in 2026, legislators introduced a bill to eliminate the tax.
October 10, 2026, marked the observance of Period Action Day.
October 13, 2026, was the date news of the lawsuit was published.
Culture Shift
This lawsuit reflects a broader societal move toward treating menstrual care as essential health maintenance rather than a taxable luxury. It underscores a growing friction between states still levying these taxes and a national wave of 32 states that have already opted to repeal them.
For many residents, this case highlights potential future changes to the cost of essential feminine hygiene items at the checkout counter. The outcome may eventually influence whether these products are granted the same tax-exempt status as other recognized medical supplies in Wisconsin.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing divide in state tax policies regarding medical necessity versus consumer goods. Residents can monitor future legislative sessions to see if lawmakers address the tax exemptions alongside the ongoing court proceedings.
Further reading
For more on the ongoing advocacy for policy change, visit Wisconsin Women’s Issues.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WUPY - Ontonagon.
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Should states eliminate sales tax on feminine hygiene products?
