Bill
HB 3869
HB3869 lets districts opt, not require, to provide free menstrual products (tampons, pads) in bathrooms for grades 4–12 during the school day.
HB3869 — SCH CD-MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS (Illinois)
Overview
- Purpose: To adjust the state School Code to give school districts the option, rather than the obligation, to provide free menstrual hygiene products in student bathrooms.
- Status: Referred to Rules Committee (introduced Feb 19, 2025; filed Feb 18, 2025; first reading Feb 19, 2025). Additional actions include readings and committee referrals (e.g., subcommittee and Criminal Jurisprudence). Companion bill SB 482 exists.
What the bill would do
- Change in obligation: Replaces the word “shall” with “may,” removing a mandatory requirement for districts to provide free menstrual hygiene products.
- Scope of availability: Allows, not requires, districts to make menstrual hygiene products available at no cost in bathrooms across school buildings that are open for student use by students in grades 4 through 12 during the regular school day.
- Grade coverage: Applies to bathrooms used by students in grades 4–12; the underlying building definition centers on facilities where a public school serves grades 6–12, but access is aimed at 4–12 during the school day.
Key provisions (as introduced)
- Menstrual hygiene products covered: Tampons and sanitary napkins.
- Definition of school building: Any facility owned or leased by a school district (or over which the district has care, custody, and control) in which a public school serves students in grades 6–12.
- Cost to students: If provided, products are to be free of charge during the regular school day.
Who is affected
- School districts: Gaining optional authority to provide free menstrual products; the change may influence budgeting and operational decisions if districts choose to implement the program.
- Students (grades 4–12): Potential beneficiaries who would have access to free menstrual products in school bathrooms, which can affect attendance and daily school participation.
- School facilities: Buildings that fit the defined criteria and have bathrooms used by eligible grades during the day.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced: March 5, 2025 (introduced Feb 19, 2025 per bill version).
- Initial actions: Referred to Rules; other committee referrals and subcommittee actions noted (e.g., Criminal Jurisprudence referral).
- Related: Companion bill SB 482.
Notes and context
- This bill builds on prior state provisions related to menstrual products in schools (reference to P.A. 102-340, eff. 8-13-21).
- By moving from a mandatory to an optional framework, the bill introduces flexibility for districts, potentially accommodating budgets while still enabling districts to adopt free product availability if they choose.
Impact considerations
- Fiscal: No explicit funding allocation is stated; districts would need to determine implementation costs if they opt to provide products.
- Equity and attendance: If enacted, districts that implement the program may help reduce missed days due to lack of access to menstrual products.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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