Patricia Ortiz/Houston Public Media

As students prepare to return to school, backpacks, school supplies, shoes and clothing valued under $100 are tax-free this weekend.

Texas State Auditor Glenn Hegar has created a list of clothing and school supplies that are and are not eligible for the tax-free weekend. Clothing items that are eligible include graduation hats and gowns, sandals and slippers, and tennis or walking shoes. School supplies that are eligible include pencils, paper, calculators and notebooks.

The sales tax exemption was originally passed by Texas lawmakers in 1999 and is in effect until midnight this Sunday. State Rep. Ron Reynolds said the law helps teachers and parents who purchase educational materials for their students and classrooms.

“We know times are tough. We know people are facing inflation. They have to make do with limited resources,” he said. “So we want parents to take advantage of this opportunity. But we also hope that there will be greater opportunities to save in the future.”

Patricia Ortiz/Houston Public Media

Reynolds said he has introduced a new bill that could potentially increase price caps on items eligible for tax breaks. He and state Rep. Alma Allen both attended a news conference Friday morning at a Walmart near NRG Stadium.

“$100 was a good deal (in the ’90s). Now it’s not a good deal. You can’t buy much for $100 anymore,” Allen said. “Kids don’t even ask you for nickels or dimes anymore.”

If the bill passes, the increase could come as early as next year. But currently, there is still no tax break on anything costing $100 and on items like jewelry, technology, textbooks and many other things.

Reynolds said technology is required in more and more classrooms. He said he would like to see a future version of this holiday qualify technology.

“Most students, including my children, have an iPad that they use to learn,” he said. “There is a digital divide and we want to make sure all children have access to the internet.”

The full list of tax-free school supplies can be found below.

• binder
• Chalkboard
• Book bags
• computer
• Cellophane tape
• Circle
• Writing pads
• Colored pencils
• Erasers
• Folders – expandable, pocket, plastic and manila folders
• Glue, paste and paste sticks
• Highlighter
• Index cards
• Index card boxes
• Kits*
• Notepads
• Lunch boxes
• Markers (including dry erase markers)
• Laptops
• Paper – lined note paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, coloured paper, poster board and craft paper
• Pencil cases and other school supplies boxes
• Pencil sharpener
• Pencils
• Pens
• Protractor
• ruler
• Scissors
• Writing boards