By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would require all public schools, with grades 6-12 students, to maintain free menstrual products, including sanitary napkins and tampons in restrooms and to make them available in a “convenient manner that does not stigmatize any persons seeking the products.”

“Requiring schools to provide free menstrual products will not only reduce distractions throughout the day but will also reduce embarrassment by guaranteeing that essential health items are readily available when needed,” said sponsor Rep. Jeff Roy (D-Franklin). “Such access ensures that students can attend classes and participate in extracurricular activities without interruption. Toilet paper and paper towels are available free of charge at high schools and middle schools and menstrual products are no less essential to a student’s wellbeing. No student should face any barrier, financial or otherwise, to accessing basic health essentials.”