MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Education
By: Representatives Jackson, McLean, Summers, Hulum, Anderson (110th), Karriem, Sanders
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO MAKE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE, AT NO COST TO STUDENTS, IN THE BATHROOMS OR OFFICES OF THE SCHOOL NURSE IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADE 6 THROUGH GRADE 12; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) The Mississippi Legislature finds the following:
(a) Feminine hygiene products are a health care necessity and not an item that can be foregone or substituted easily;
(b) Access to feminine hygiene products is a serious and ongoing need in this state;
(c) When students do not have access to affordable feminine hygiene products, they may miss multiple days of school every month; and
(d) When students have access to quality feminine hygiene products, they are able to continue with their daily lives with minimal interruption.
(2) As used in this section the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed herein:
(a) "Feminine hygiene products" means tampons and sanitary napkins for use in connection with the menstrual cycle.
(b) "School building" means any facility:
(i) That is owned or leased by the school district or over which the board has care, custody and control; and
(ii) In which there is a public school serving students in Grade 6 through Grade 12.
(3) School districts are authorized to make feminine hygiene products available, at no cost to students, in the bathrooms or offices of the school nurse in school buildings.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.