Schools; creating the Menstrual Products for Schools Revolving Fund; providing for use of fund to assist certain schools in making menstrual products available in certain restrooms. Effective date. Emergency.
Summary
SB1353 creates the Menstrual Products for Schools Revolving Fund within the State Treasury for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The fund would be supported by gifts, grants, donations, bequests, and state appropriations, and the money would be continuously appropriated to the Department for the bill’s stated purpose. Subject to available funding, the Department would use the fund to help school districts and public charter schools 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. It also includes an effective date of July 1, 2026, and an emergency clause, which would make the act effective immediately upon passage and approval. The bill would be codified in Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes as a new section governing school health-related supplies.
Impact
SB1353 would add a new statutory program in Oklahoma education law by creating a dedicated revolving fund and authorizing the State Department of Education to distribute resources for menstrual products in schools. It would affect school districts and public charter schools by supporting access to free menstrual products in specified restrooms, while also creating a new funding mechanism that can receive public and private contributions. The bill would not mandate a direct statewide purchase program without funding, but it would establish the legal framework for state assistance and expenditure authority.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available legislative context, the measure appears to be presented as a public health and student support initiative, with no recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials. The inclusion of an emergency clause suggests the sponsor viewed the issue as time-sensitive. Because there are no transcripts or roll-call results here, there is no documented opposition or support to gauge beyond the bill’s stated purpose.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the use of state resources for menstrual products in schools, including whether the program should be funded through appropriations or outside donations and grants. Another possible issue is the bill’s limitation to restrooms designated for females and single-occupancy restrooms, which could raise questions about access, implementation, and equity. However, no specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided legislative record.
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