Tennessee bill would require free menstrual products in schools

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tennessee lawmakers have proposed a bill that would provide free feminine hygiene products to girls in school.

House Bill 2207 proposes the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Act. If passed, it will give girls access to feminine hygiene products at all public and charter high schools in the state.

However, the bill was placed behind the budget to be considered for funding at a later date.

Public assistance programs, such as TANF and WIC, do not cover the costs of these products. This is because Tennessee taxes them as “non-essential luxury goods,” according to state representatives.

HB 2207 would allocate 20% of tax revenue from menstrual products to the implementation of this act.

These products would then be placed in women and girls’ restrooms, locker rooms and the nurse’s office.

Tennessee Rep. Elaine Davis sponsored this legislation.

“For young ladies that do not have access, they may stay home from school thereby increasing absenteeism rates. My goal is to bring dignity for these young ladies, and keep them healthy, and in the classroom,” Davis said.

One survey indicates two out of three teens reported stress because of the lack of access to period products in their schools.