Legislation was heard in the Senate Education Committee this week that ensures students in Minnesota can get the body hygiene products they need without worrying about the cost.
The proposal is the result of advocacy from students to address the inability to access hygiene products, referred to as period poverty, which has affected almost a quarter of students according to nationwide survey data. For those students, the cost of these products can be prohibitive, denying them access to these necessary products and affecting their ability to learn. Proponents argue that much like soap, toilet paper, and paper towels, menstrual products should be available free of charge.
This bill requires school districts to provide menstrual products to students free of charge, available in restrooms used by students in grades 4 to 12. The total cost of the bill is approximately $1.9 million and would provide schools with an additional $2 per pupil in total operating capital revenue to pay for this requirement.
The bill was laid over for consideration in a future omnibus bill. (SF 3052)
