Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee
HB 1273
Brief Description: Concerning menstrual products in schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Berg, Caldier, Ramel, Simmons, Taylor, Lovick, Bateman, Senn, Leavitt, Fitzgibbon, Wicks, Berry, Peterson, Goodman, Valdez, Hackney, Thai, Kloba, Frame, Ryu, Bronoske, Macri, Callan, Ormsby, Pollet, Slatter, Harris-Talley and Stonier.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires school districts, private K-12 schools, charter schools, state-tribal compact schools, and public and private institutions of higher education to make menstrual hygiene products available at no cost by the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year.
  • Requires these entities to bear the cost of supplying these products.
Hearing Date: 2/2/21
Staff: Jordan Clarke (786-7123).
Background:

The Washington State Board of Health (BOH) must adopt rules controlling public health related to environmental conditions in public facilities, including schools.

Current BOH rules require adequate, conveniently located toilet and hand-washing facilities for students and employees.  At hand-washing facilities, soap and single-service towels or warm air dryers must be provided.  Toilet paper must be available, conveniently located adjacent to each toilet fixture.  Toilet and hand-washing facilities must be accessible for use during school hours and scheduled events.


State law defines "institutions of higher education" as:

  • any public university, college, community college, or technical college operated by the state or any political subdivision; or
  • any other university, college, school, or institute in the state offering instruction beyond the high school level that is a member institution of an accrediting association recognized by rule of the Washington Student Achievement Council and agrees to comply with certain rules.
Summary of Bill:

By the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, school districts, private K-12 schools, charter schools, and state-tribal compact schools must make menstrual hygiene products available at no cost in all gender-neutral bathrooms and bathrooms designated for female students located in schools serving students in grades 6-12.  Public and private institutions of higher education must also make these products available.

 

Menstrual hygiene products must include sanitary napkins, tampons, or similar items.

 

The educational entities must bear the cost of supplying these products.  They may seek grants or partner with nonprofit or community-based organizations to fulfill this obligation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2021.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.