Senate Bill 663, titled the End Menstrual Poverty Act, would provide state funding to expand access to feminine hygiene products in North Carolina. The bill appropriates $350,000 in nonrecurring General Fund dollars to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, with the money intended to help local diaper banks distribute feminine hygiene products to people in need across the state.
The bill also appropriates $1 million in recurring General Fund dollars to the Department of Public Instruction to support the Feminine Hygiene Products Grant Program under G.S. 115C-377. That program is aimed at helping schools and related recipients provide menstrual hygiene products, and the recurring funding would make the support ongoing beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
S663 would increase state spending on menstrual hygiene access by directing funds to both a nonprofit distribution network and an existing school-based grant program. It does not create a new regulatory scheme, but it would amend the practical operation of state support for feminine hygiene products by adding appropriations to DHHS and DPI and strengthening implementation of G.S. 115C-377. The bill would affect the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, local diaper banks, public schools, and individuals who rely on free or low-cost menstrual products.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill’s purpose and structure, the measure appears to be framed as a public health and equity initiative intended to reduce menstrual poverty and improve access to basic hygiene products. The sponsorship and caption suggest a generally supportive policy posture toward expanding access to these products.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is fiscal: the bill uses General Fund dollars, including a recurring $1 million appropriation, which may raise budget concerns for lawmakers focused on spending priorities. Another possible issue is whether state funds should be directed through a nonprofit distribution network versus expanded school-based programming, though the bill itself does not present competing approaches. Because no transcripts or votes are available, no specific objections or supporters can be identified from the record provided.
"McElroy-Brown Hygiene and Menstrual Care Access Act; enact to establish program to provide students access to free hygiene and menstrual care products.
Recognizing the impact the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls, and people who menstruate, and expressing support for the designation of the month of May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month".
Recognizing the impact the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls, and people who menstruate, and expressing support for the designation of the month of May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month".
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 49 and Title 67, relative to the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Act.