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House passes bill to supply period products in Utah schools with three‑year start‑up funding
Summary
The House approved legislation to install dispensers and fund period products for three years in Utah schools, citing reduced absences and a public‑private funding approach; sponsors say private donors cover dispensers and the legislature funds consumables in early years.
Representative Karianne Lisonbee, sponsor of House Bill 162, told the House the bill pairs private donors who will pay to install dispensers with state funding to supply menstrual products for the first three years. "This bill is a result of a lot of work," Lisonbee said, describing the measure as a conservative and practical step to address period poverty in schools.
Supporters said the bill is intended to reduce shame, keep students in class and destigmatize menstruation. Representative Perucci recounted a constituent who missed school while menstruating because she had no products. Representative Carol Moss, a former teacher, said students sometimes missed class rather than ask for supplies and urged passage.
The sponsor described the fiscal approach: initial product costs of $2,300,000 in the first fiscal year and $1,700,000 in years two and three, with schools absorbing costs thereafter. The sponsor also said donors have funded dispensers and the legislature would fund consumables for three years. Several members noted local schools already provide some products and praised the public‑private partnership.
After floor discussion and questions, the House approved House Bill 162. The bill passed on a recorded vote and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration. The transcript records the House vote as 72 yes; no roll‑call list was printed on the floor.
