WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 40

AN ACT relating to providing free feminine hygiene products to elementary and secondary students.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by George Brown and 3 co-sponsors

Kentucky bill mandates schools provide free menstrual products to elementary and secondary students to reduce period poverty and improve school attendance.

to Primary and Secondary Education (H)
#childrenandminors #education #elementaryandsecondary #healthandmedicalservices #reproductiveissues #women
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 40

Legislative bill overview

HB 40 would require Kentucky schools to provide free feminine hygiene products (such as pads and tampons) to elementary and secondary students at no cost. The bill is currently in the House Committee on Primary and Secondary Education after being introduced in early January 2026.

Why is this important

Period poverty—the inability to afford menstrual products—is documented to cause school absences, reduced academic performance, and psychological distress among students. Providing free products addresses a barrier to educational equity and attendance, particularly for low-income students who may otherwise skip school or use unsafe alternatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: The bill's language doesn't specify how schools will be funded to purchase these products, raising questions about whether this creates unfunded mandates on already-stretched school budgets
  • Grade-level appropriateness: Including elementary students (typically ages 5-11) may be questioned, as menstruation typically begins in middle school; critics may argue resources should target older students more precisely
  • Scope and sustainability: Questions remain about product quality, variety, storage, distribution logistics, and whether schools have adequate facilities (particularly bathrooms) to implement this effectively

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

Sign in to ask a question.