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SB 663

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for deaf and hard of hearing education.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Costa and 7 co-sponsors

Allocates $1.35M in NC funds to curb period poverty: $350K one-time to Diaper Bank of NC and $1M ongoing to DPI grants for school menstrual products, aiding low-income students.

Referred to Education
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Bill Summary · SB 663

SB 663 — "End Menstrual Poverty Act" — Summary

Status: Passed 1st Reading (introduced Feb 20, 2025)
Primary sponsors: Senators Murdock and Chitlik (primary sponsors listed)
Subject areas: Appropriations; DHHS; Education; Grants; Students; Women; Hygiene products

Purpose / Intent

The bill aims to reduce "period poverty" in North Carolina by increasing the availability of feminine hygiene (menstrual) products through two channels: (1) support for diaper bank distribution networks that also serve people in need, and (2) expanded funding for a school-based Feminine Hygiene Products Grant Program. The intent is to improve access for low-income individuals and students who menstruate.

Key provisions

  • Appropriates $350,000 (nonrecurring) from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to be allocated to the Diaper Bank of North Carolina. Funds are intended to help the Diaper Bank collect and distribute diapers and "other personal hygiene products" and specifically to increase access to feminine hygiene products in local diaper banks statewide.
  • Appropriates $1,000,000 (recurring) from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to fund the existing Feminine Hygiene Products Grant Program (G.S. 115C‑377). These funds are intended to enable ongoing grants to schools or school-related entities to provide menstrual products to students.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025 (per bill text).

Funding details

  • Total initial appropriation: $1,350,000 for FY 2025–26.
    • $350,000 — nonrecurring (one‑time) DHHS allocation to Diaper Bank of NC.
    • $1,000,000 — recurring DPI appropriation to support grants in ongoing years.
  • Funding mechanics: DHHS will allocate the nonrecurring amount to the Diaper Bank of NC; DPI will administer recurring grants under the statutory Feminine Hygiene Products Grant Program.

Who is affected

  • Direct beneficiaries: low‑income individuals who rely on diaper banks and students who receive menstrual products through school programs.
  • Implementing agencies: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
  • Intermediaries: Diaper Bank of North Carolina (nonprofit) and local diaper banks; school districts and schools eligible under G.S. 115C‑377.
  • Fiscal impact: modest state General Fund expenditure (outlined above); the recurring $1,000,000 increases ongoing state obligations for the grant program.

Implementation & timeline

  • Funds are for the 2025–2026 fiscal year; the nonrecurring DHHS grant is one‑time for FY 2025–26 while DPI’s $1,000,000 is recurring beginning FY 2025–26.
  • DPI will distribute grants under the authority of G.S. 115C‑377 (program rules/eligibility already established in that statute).
  • Effective July 1, 2025, allowing agencies to begin allocation and grant processes in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Expected benefits: increased access to menstrual products for students and communities served by diaper banks; potential reductions in absenteeism or stigma for students who menstruate.
  • Administrative considerations: DHHS and DPI will need to manage distribution, oversight, and reporting; Diaper Bank of NC will need to document use of nonrecurring funds.
  • Fiscal note: the bill creates recurring state costs of $1,000,000 annually plus a one‑time $350,000 disbursement for FY 2025–26.

If you’d like, I can:
- Draft a one‑page explainer for school districts or diaper banks describing how to apply for or receive funds; or
- Pull up G.S. 115C‑377 to outline grant eligibility and requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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