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HB 941

Public Health - Public Buildings - Hygiene Products

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 8 co-sponsors

Maryland bill mandates free menstrual and hygiene products in public building restrooms to eliminate period poverty and ensure equitable access for all residents.

Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 941

Legislative bill overview

HB 941 requires public buildings in Maryland—including schools, libraries, and government facilities—to provide free menstrual and hygiene products in restrooms. The bill aims to address period poverty and ensure equitable access to essential hygiene items for all building occupants and visitors.

Why is this important

Period poverty affects an estimated 1 in 4 low-income menstruating individuals, leading some to miss school or work. Providing free products in public buildings removes financial barriers and normalizes menstruation as a public health issue rather than a private expense, similar to toilet paper or soap.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Critics question who bears the expense—schools and libraries operating on tight budgets may face significant ongoing costs without dedicated state funding mechanisms specified in the bill
  • Product selection and waste management: Determining which products to stock, handling different preferences/needs, and managing waste disposal raises practical and budgetary concerns
  • Scope of "public buildings": The definition may be ambiguous—does it include all government buildings, private businesses open to the public, or only certain facility types, potentially creating implementation confusion

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

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