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It is the first time since 1999, when the annual tax holiday began, that school supplies have been added to the tax-free list. Many parents had already been buying school clothes for their children during the tax-exempt weekend each year.

"The August sales tax holiday has included clothes and shoes under $100. This year, our Legislature responded favorably to parents' requests that school backpacks be added. However, today Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced that our Legislature went further in providing Texas families with economic relief by including school supplies on the list," said Sam Ayers, Lubbock Independent School District assistant superintendent for elementary.

House Bill 1801 identifies school supplies priced less than $100 that will be exempt from state and local sales tax for the tax-free weekend, according to Combs. Regarding backpacks, the bill specified the tax exemption did not include briefcases, athletic bags, duffle bags, gym bags, computer bags, purses, framed backpacks or items that are commonly considered luggage.

The legislation was passed in both the House and Senate on May 31, and Gov. Rick Perry signed it into law on Friday.

"I think it's a great idea to help the parents and students with some sales tax relief," said Shallowater ISD Superintendent Jim Taliaferro said. "Anything the state can do to help the parents out is very welcome by the local districts."

Many basic school supply items are not expensive. However, Ayers noted they add up quickly at the check-out line.

"The expanded sales tax holiday is great news for families with school-age children in the Lubbock area and across Texas. They will be able to stretch their budgets a little farther as they prepare to go back to school," Ayers said.

"As an administrator, broadening the sales tax break to school supplies adds more academic emphasis, and I think that's a good deal," Taliaferro said.

"It's been a long time in coming," Ayers said. "I'm just glad they did it."