Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Health Period Products topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee funds pilot and advances bill to provide menstrual products in schools
Summary
The committee moved House Bill 39 out of committee after proponents described local pilot efforts and cost estimates; the measure would provide menstrual hygiene products to students through a grant program tied to school population.
The House Committee on Education voted to advance House Bill 39, a measure to fund menstrual-hygiene product distribution in schools, after witnesses and student advocates described existing local efforts and low per-school costs.
Representative Davis told the committee Knox County schools had implemented a pilot placing free period products in school restrooms, reporting steady usage and bipartisan board support. Student advocates and school counselors spoke in favor: Natalie Schilling read testimony from a school counselor describing students who listed pads and tampons among essential needs, and Madeline Nocton read testimony describing Knox County’s program and how bins and student ambassadors keep supplies stocked.
Representative Davis said the bill would distribute grants from the Department of Education, with grant amounts scaled by student population. Committee members asked about the mechanics and per-student estimates; Davis said the sponsor used Knox County’s bulk-purchase experience to estimate cost and scale grants by population bands.
After a short question period and public testimony, the committee recorded a roll-call vote of 17 ayes and 0 nays; HB39 was reported as moving out to finance.
Supporters framed the bill as addressing a basic student need and reducing stigma; no formal opposition was recorded in the committee hearing.
