SB 1385 would require public schools operated by school districts and charter schools that serve grades 6 through 12 to make feminine hygiene products available in all women’s restrooms and gender-neutral restrooms on campus. The bill defines feminine hygiene products to include tampons and sanitary napkins, and it prohibits schools from charging students or families for products provided under the new requirement.
The bill also creates a state funding mechanism to support implementation. It appropriates $2.5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Arizona Department of Education, which would then distribute the money to school districts and charter schools for providing these products.
Impact
If enacted, SB 1385 would add a new section to Title 15 of the Arizona Revised Statutes governing student health and school operations. It would impose a statewide obligation on qualifying middle and high schools to stock feminine hygiene products in specified restrooms and would shift part of the cost to the state through a dedicated appropriation to the Department of Education. The bill would directly affect school districts, charter schools, students in grades 6-12, and school administrators responsible for restroom supplies and student health services.
Sentiment
The bill appears to be framed as a student health and access measure, with support implied by its introduction from a bipartisan group of senators and a representative. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, amendments, or formal opposition in the available record. Based on the bill’s structure, the overall tone is policy-oriented and focused on ensuring access to basic hygiene products in schools.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the mandate itself and the state appropriation. Some stakeholders may question whether schools should be required to provide these products in all covered restrooms, whether the requirement should apply to both district and charter schools, and whether the $2.5 million appropriation is sufficient to cover ongoing costs. Another possible issue is the bill’s application to women’s and gender-neutral restrooms, which may raise operational or policy questions for schools. However, no specific objections were documented in the provided materials.