Tennessee Senate Bill SB0588

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to feminine hygiene products.

Summary

SB 588, titled the "Tennessee for Tampons Act," would require public institutions of higher education in Tennessee to provide feminine hygiene products in all women’s and girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms. 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 also directs public colleges and universities to work with student governments and building maintenance managers to handle administration and restocking of these products. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add a new requirement to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 governing public higher education institutions. It would create an affirmative duty for public colleges and universities to supply menstrual products in specified restrooms and locker rooms, and to coordinate internal processes for stocking and maintenance. The practical effect would be to impose a new operational and potentially financial obligation on public institutions of higher education, while expanding access to menstrual hygiene products for students and other users of campus facilities.

Sentiment

The bill text reflects a supportive policy rationale focused on student access, equity, and reducing missed class time due to lack of period products. However, there is no committee transcript or vote history provided, so there is no recorded legislative debate or formal sentiment available beyond the bill’s stated findings and purpose. Based on the text alone, the measure appears framed as a public welfare and student-support initiative rather than a controversial regulatory change.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials because there are no committee transcripts, amendments, or recorded votes. Potential areas of debate, if raised, would likely involve the cost of supplying products, which facilities must be covered, whether the mandate should apply to all restrooms or only certain locations, and how institutions should manage restocking responsibilities. The bill’s focus on women’s and girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms could also prompt discussion about scope and implementation.