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Alaska

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Proposal Summary

Alaska currently has no state-wide legislation requiring schools to provide menstrual products. Lack of access to menstrual products can lead to missed school days, hindered educational outcomes, and negative physical and mental health impacts. This Act requires all public and charter schools to provide free menstrual products in accessible locations to students.


Scope of Regulation

  • This Act shall be applied to all public and charter elementary, middle, and high school students in Alaska without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion (or lack thereof), gender, sexual orientation, income, national origin, disability, and immigration status.

  • This Act excludes private schools unless voluntarily participating.


Specifications

  1. Provision of Menstrual Products.

    1. Schools must provide sanitary pads and tampons free of charge.

    2. Menstrual cups, period underwear, and other menstrual products may also be included, but their provision is optional and not required.

    3. All menstrual products must be located and available in student-accessible areas, like clinics, main offices, and washrooms.

    4. Products must be restocked regularly and available during all school hours.

    5. Schools must ensure accessibility for students with disabilities.


Limitations

  1. Schools are responsible only for the distribution of menstrual products, not medical treatment.

  2. Products may be selected based on availability and cost-effectiveness.

  3. Students may request preferred product types where feasible.

Implementation

  • This Act shall take effect one year after signing to allow schools time to implement distribution systems.

  • Schools must submit annual reports to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) on product availability, usage, and feedback.

  • DEED shall provide guidance, monitor compliance, and issue corrective measures if needed.

Definitions

  • “Menstrual products” refers to sanitary pads and tampons; menstrual cups and period underwear may also be included but are optional as they’re less accessible.

  • “School” refers to public or charter elementary, middle, or high schools in Alaska.

  • “Accessible location” refers to any place within the school where students can obtain menstrual products, such as clinics, main offices, and washrooms.

  • “Student” refers to any individual enrolled in a school covered by this Act. Students must not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, color, religion (or lack thereof), gender, sexual orientation, income, national origin, disability, and immigration status.

  • “DEED” refers to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

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