BOSTON (AP) – Shoppers will get the chance to indulge in another tax free summer spree this year under a bill making its way through the Statehouse.

The bill would suspend the state’s 5 percent sales-tax on purchases of $2,500 or less for a single day – August 13. The goal is to help give the state’s economy a jolt during one of the slowest months of the year.

House lawmakers overwhelming approved the bill on Tuesday by a 151-4 vote.

The first tax-free day last August drew shoppers to malls and stores in droves. They collectively spent about $400 million – more than the Saturday before Christmas or the Friday after Thanksgiving, according to state Rep. John J. Binienda, D-Worcester.

The state lost about $10 million in sales tax during last year’s holiday. Those losses were largely offset by a one-day spike in the gas and meals tax, Binienda said.

The bill includes a few exceptions. Those buying cars or motor boats would still have to pay sales tax. Tobacco products would also be taxed.

The bill now heads to the Senate. Gov. Mitt Romney supports the sales tax holiday.