Austin, TX – Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa wants to remind Texans that the Texas Sales Tax Holiday on Emergency Preparation Supplies is coming up soon. Beginning Saturday, April 23 through midnight on Monday, April 25, Texans can purchase emergency supplies and hurricane-proofing materials without paying a sales tax.

This sales tax break is thanks to Senate Bill 904, which was authored and passed by Senator Hinojosa in 2015. Under this legislation, Texans will be better able to prepare themselves for severe weather events like winter storms, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"Sadly, in recent years natural disasters have become more and more frequent and intense across Texas. Due to climate change, these disasters are likely to continue and even worsen.

I was proud to pass legislation in 2015 that makes it easier for families across Texas to purchase the supplies necessary to be ready for any disaster their communities might face. I urge all Texans to have an emergency preparedness plan and ensure you have all the supplies necessary to keep loved ones safe during an emergency. Despite our inability to prevent disasters from occurring, we are able to be as prepared as possible."

Tax free items include certain portable generators and hurricane shutters, as well as smaller emergency and storm preparedness items such as weather radios, rope ladders, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. A full list of emergency preparation supplies can be found on the Comptroller's website:

https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php

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