Tennessee House Bill HB2461

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 49 and Title 67, Chapter 6, relative to feminine hygiene products.

Summary

HB2461 would exempt feminine hygiene products from Tennessee’s sales tax and require the Department of Education, upon request from a public school administrator, board, or director of schools, to ensure that feminine hygiene products are provided free of charge to students in public schools. The bill defines feminine hygiene products to include items used with respect to menstruation or other genital-tract secretions, specifically including tampons and sanitary napkins. The measure is framed as a response to “period poverty,” with legislative findings describing the health, educational, and economic harms associated with lack of access to menstrual products. The bill is intended to reduce costs for consumers and improve access in schools, particularly for students who may otherwise miss class or face hardship because they cannot afford these products. It would take effect July 1, 2026.

Impact

The bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Chapter 6 to create a new sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products, reducing state tax revenue from those sales. It would also amend Title 49 to authorize a school-based distribution program in public schools, shifting responsibility to the Department of Education to provide products free of charge when requested by local school officials. The affected parties include consumers, students, public schools, and the state education system, with the practical effect of expanding access to menstrual products and lowering out-of-pocket costs.

Sentiment

The bill text reflects strong supportive sentiment, emphasizing necessity, health, educational equity, and the harms of period poverty. The findings suggest the proposal is designed as a public welfare measure rather than a controversial policy change. Because no committee transcripts or recorded votes are provided, there is no direct evidence of opposition or amendment activity in the available record.

Contention

The main potential points of contention are fiscal and administrative: the sales tax exemption would reduce state revenue, and the school provision would require the Department of Education and local school systems to supply products when requested. Another possible issue is the bill’s definition of feminine hygiene products, which is limited to products used by a woman with respect to menstruation or other genital-tract secretions and specifically names tampons and sanitary napkins. No recorded debate is available, so any disagreement is not documented in the provided materials.