Schools; requiring certain schools to make menstrual products available in certain restrooms. Effective date. Emergency.
Summary
SB 219 requires each Oklahoma school district and public charter school to provide menstrual products at no cost in school restrooms designated for females and in single-occupancy restrooms. The bill defines menstrual products as tampons and sanitary napkins used in connection with the menstrual cycle.
The measure creates a new section of law to be codified in Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes. It applies to public schools and charter schools statewide and is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause stating it would take effect immediately upon passage and approval.
Impact
If enacted, SB 219 would impose a new statewide operational requirement on school districts and public charter schools to stock and provide free menstrual products in specified restrooms. It would add Section 1-126 to Title 70, expanding school health and facilities obligations and potentially requiring schools to budget for ongoing procurement, stocking, and restroom access policies. The bill directly affects public education entities and students who may need menstrual supplies during the school day.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented debate or formal vote history to gauge legislative sentiment. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears framed as a student health and hygiene access policy, with an emergency clause suggesting the sponsor viewed the issue as sufficiently important to warrant immediate effect.
Contention
The bill text itself does not identify explicit points of contention, and no hearing transcripts are available. Potential areas of disagreement, if raised, would likely concern the cost and logistics of supplying products, which restrooms must be stocked, and whether the mandate should apply to all schools or only certain grades or facilities. The requirement for single-occupancy restrooms may also raise implementation questions for school administrators.