AN ACT relating to menstrual discharge collection devices and making an appropriation therefor.
Summary
HB231 would require every public school and public charter school serving grades 6 through 12 to make at least one age-appropriate menstrual discharge collection device available to students at no cost. The bill also requires local school boards and charter school boards to adopt policies governing distribution, safe and healthy use guidance, and prohibitions on resale, redistribution, or misuse of the products. The bill defines menstrual discharge collection devices broadly to include tampons, pads, panty liners, menstrual cups, period underwear, and similar items designed for menstrual use.
In addition to the school-access mandate, the bill amends Kentucky’s sales and use tax law to exempt menstrual discharge collection devices from taxation. It also adds the same term to the list of exempt items in KRS 139.480, alongside other exempt necessities and special-category goods. Finally, HB231 appropriates $2 million in General Fund money for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Education’s Learning and Results Services budget unit to help provide these products to students. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
HB231 would create a new statutory requirement in KRS Chapter 158 for public and charter schools serving grades 6-12 to stock menstrual products and adopt related policies, while also amending KRS 139.010 and KRS 139.480 to exempt menstrual discharge collection devices from Kentucky sales and use tax. The bill would directly affect school districts, charter school operators, students in middle and high school grades, and the Department of Education through the new appropriation. It would also reduce tax revenue by removing these products from the taxable base and dedicate state funds to support implementation.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be framed as a student health and access measure with a public-benefit rationale. The structure of the bill suggests support for making menstrual products more readily available in schools and reducing their cost through tax exemption and state funding. No contrary testimony or vote history is available here to indicate organized opposition or division.
Contention
The main policy issues likely to be debated are cost, implementation, and scope. Supporters would likely emphasize student hygiene, attendance, equity, and reduced barriers for menstruating students, while critics may focus on the $2 million appropriation, the administrative burden on schools, and whether the mandate should apply to all grade 6-12 buildings and bathrooms. The bill’s broad definition of menstrual discharge collection devices, including period underwear and menstrual cups, could also raise questions about procurement, storage, and distribution practices. No specific contention is documented in the provided transcripts or votes.