Idaho
Proposal Summary
Idaho Menstrual Equity and Access in Public Schools
Synopsis
This bill ensures that all Idaho public schools provide free menstrual hygiene products and basic menstrual health education to students.
The goal is to reduce absenteeism, promote health equity, and normalize conversations about menstruation in a school setting.
Legislative Findings
Idaho currently has no statewide requirement for menstrual product access in public schools. House Bill 313 to provide menstrual products in 2023 failed and left school without guidance and menstrual equity.
In Idaho 1 in 7 women and girls between the age of 12 and 44 lives below the Federal Poverty Level, this creates barriers to menstrual care and products.
55% of female students in public school grades 7 to 12 attend Title I Eligible schools. More than half of all girls in Idaho’s public middle and high schools study in schools with many low-income families.
A recent survey conducted in eastern Idaho found that 75% of female students have missed a class or day of school because they didn't have access to pads or tampons, and a national survey found that almost a quarter of female students can't afford to buy their own.
Access to education is a basic human right, as affirmed by international human rights principles and the Idaho Constitution, Article IX, Section 1, which requires a uniform system of free public schools. Lack of menstrual products limits female students’ ability to attend and participate in school, menstrual equity is essential to ensuring equal access to education and protecting female students’ dignity.
Local efforts (e.g., Idaho Period Project) have helped, but a statewide policy is needed.
Inadequate menstrual support is associated with both health and psychosocial issues, particularly among low-income people. A lack of access to menstrual products can cause emotional distress, physical infection, and disease.
Statement
This proposal bill sees menstrual hygiene as essential to student health and academic participation.
Providing free menstrual products and basic menstrual education will improve attendance, confidence, and equality among Idaho students.
Implementation
To be announced.
Definitions
“Menstrual products” includes tampons, sanitary pads, menstrual cups, or similar items used for menstrual hygiene.
“Menstrual equity” means fair and equal access to menstrual products and education without stigma.
“Public school” refers to any school grades 6–12 under the Idaho State Department of Education.
“Title I eligible school” means a school that receives federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 due to serving a high percentage of students from low-income families.