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H 2390

An Act expanding access to hygiene products

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 6 co-sponsors

Creates a task force to study adding hygiene products to WIC; defines hygiene insecurity; examines feasibility and programs; reports by 1/1/2027; may expand WIC benefits.

Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2390

Summary: H.2390 — An Act expanding access to hygiene products (Massachusetts, 194th General Court, 2025-2026)

Overview

H.2390 proposes to expand access to basic hygiene products by creating a study-driven process to evaluate whether hygiene products should be included in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. The bill adds new provisions to Chapter 111I and defines hygiene insecurity and hygiene products to frame its purpose. The bill’s immediate effect is to authorize a multi-agency task force to study feasibility and report findings by early 2027. The measure has advanced from Public Health and was favorably reported by a committee and referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing.

Key Provisions

  • Section 8 (new) adds definitions:
    • Hygiene insecurity: a person or family’s inability to afford the most basic hygiene products.
    • Hygiene products: items such as deodorant, diapers, feminine products, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
  • Task Force Creation:
    • The Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), must establish a task force to study the feasibility of including hygiene products under the WIC program.
  • Task Force Composition:
    • Ex officio members or designees: undersecretary of the executive office of health and human services; secretary of the executive office of administration and finance; commissioners of the respective departments; director of the WIC program.
    • Appointed members: one each appointed by Hope And Comfort Inc.; Community Action Pioneer Valley, Inc.; Neighbors In Need, Inc.; Mass National Organization For Women Foundation, Inc.
    • At least three WIC participants from geographically diverse regions of the Commonwealth.
  • Report and Public Comment:
    • The task force must file a report by no later than January 1, 2027 with the clerks of the Senate and House, and the relevant joint committees (Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; Public Health; Ways and Means for both chambers).
    • The report must cover: (i) analysis of hygiene insecurity in the Commonwealth; (ii) survey of existing public programs addressing hygiene insecurity; (iii) recommendations to address hygiene insecurity; (iv) feasibility of adopting hygiene product purchases as allowable activities under WIC.
    • Public comments are welcome to inform the report.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • WIC program participants and potential beneficiaries: The bill centers on the feasibility of expanding WIC to cover hygiene products, which could affect low-income families relying on WIC.
  • Public health and human services agencies: DPH and DTA would lead the task force and coordinate feasibility studies.
  • Advocacy and service organizations: groups representing low-income families and women could provide input and representation to the task force.

Procedural Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to Public Health: February 27, 2025
  • Hearing: June 11, 2025 (scheduled)
  • Reporting date extended: October 9, 2025
  • As of October 16, 2025: Reported favorably by committee and referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing
  • Next steps: Senate action and potential passage by Health Care Financing committee

Related Information

  • Related Bill: HD 3080 (replaces)
  • Bill status and docket references indicate ongoing committee consideration and potential future amendments.

This bill, if enacted, would lay groundwork for expanding access to hygiene products through the WIC program, contingent on a comprehensive feasibility study and stakeholder input.

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

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