February 18, 2020

Greg Pare at 401-276-5558

PRESS RELEASE

Sen. Lawson introduces bill requiring feminine hygiene products to be provided in public schools

STATE HOUSE – Sen. Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) has introduced legislation (2020-S 2183) that would require all public schools to provide feminine hygiene products at no cost.

“We all know how necessary feminine hygiene products are, but what many people do not realize, and I see this as a long time educator, is that a lack of access to these products can cause students to miss crucial school days.  These products are a daily necessity to so many students and just as schools provide toilet paper for the bathrooms, these products should also be readily accessible for our students in need,” said Senator Lawson.

According to the bill, at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, all public schools teaching grades six through 12 shall make feminine hygiene products available in the schools.  The products will be available in all gender-neutral bathrooms and any female designated bathrooms.  The products shall be provided at no cost to the students.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Education Committee.

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