Idaho Bill Making Prescription Eyewear Tax Free Headed to Governor

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill that would exempt prescription eyeglasses and contacts from state's sales tax has cleared its final hurdle and is on its way to the governor's desk.

The Idaho Senate approved the legislation Thursday evening on an 18-17 vote. Despite the narrow vote, the legislation garnered little debate on the Senate floor. However, Sen. Curt McKenzie from Nampa argued that he was voting against because he was focused funding Idaho's education and transportation systems this legislative session.

If signed by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, glasses would be exempt beginning July 1 and contacts would fall under the exemption the following year. The bill is estimated to cost the state more than $2.8 million in revenue per year.