Provide Free Pads and Tampons in Minnesota Schools

 

In order to ensure that no student misses class due to a lack of pads or tampons, this legislation aims to provide free

menstrual products in all staff, gender-neutral, and girls' facilities in Minnesota's public middle and high schools.

 

Every month, thousands of students cope with their periods, which are a natural part of life. But not everyone can

afford or obtain tampons or pads when they're needed. Some students depend on nurses, but some schools don't have one on

staff, and nurses aren't always available. Additionally, students might not feel at ease approaching adults for

merchandise. Lack of necessities might cause pupils to skip classes, leave school, or sit during class feeling uneasy or

anxious. Attendance, academics, and confidence are all impacted by this. Offering free period items makes the school

environment healthier and more equitable while also assisting pupils in concentrating on their studies. Toilet paper,

soap, and paper towels are already provided by schools; as period goods are equally essential, they ought to be handled

similarly.

 

Disposable pads and tampons that are individually packaged to keep them clean and safe for students to use are referred

to as "menstrual products" for the purposes of this statute. Any middle or high school in Minnesota that gets state

financing, including charter schools, is referred to as a "public school." Any staff restroom, gender-neutral restroom,

or girls' restroom inside the school building that kids frequently use is referred to as a "school restroom." A

"dispenser" is a wall gadget or container that keeps tampons and pads so that students may conveniently take them

whenever they need them. These guidelines guarantee that every school is aware of precisely what supplies are required,

where they must be kept, and how pupils should be able to obtain them.

 

An annual portion of the Minnesota school budget will provide funding for this statute. School districts will receive

funding from the state to purchase menstruation products and dispensers. Additionally, schools may ask local NGOs or

companies that wish to give goods for additional support. The Department of Education will oversee the financing and

ensure that schools have enough materials to meet students' needs all year long.

 

Every school district will be required by the Minnesota Department of Education to submit a report once a year attesting

to the fact that the necessary restrooms are fully stocked with period products. The Department may cut a school's state

funding by up to 2% if it violates the rule, unless the school can demonstrate that the problem has been resolved. The

penalty's goal is to ensure that pupils receive the assistance they require, not to punish institutions.

 

July 1 2026