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HB 5121

To mandate county boards of education to provide feminine hygiene products in all public elementary, middle, and high schools for female students

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kayla Young

West Virginia bill mandates free feminine hygiene products in all public K-12 schools to reduce period poverty and improve student attendance.

To House Education
#education(k12) #health
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Bill Summary · HB 5121

Legislative bill overview

HB 5121 would require county boards of education in West Virginia to supply feminine hygiene products (such as pads and tampons) to female students at no cost in all public elementary, middle, and high schools. The bill aims to remove financial barriers that may prevent students from accessing these essential products during the school day.

Why is this important

Period poverty—the inability to afford menstrual products—has been documented as a cause of school absenteeism, particularly among low-income students. Providing free access to these products at school addresses a practical health need and may improve attendance and academic performance. Several states and districts have already implemented similar programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Schools would bear the cost of purchasing and distributing products; the bill does not specify funding sources, raising concerns about budget allocation during tight education funding cycles
  • Implementation logistics: Questions about product selection, dispensing methods (vending machines, clinic access), inventory management, and hygiene standards across numerous schools
  • Scope limitations: The bill addresses female students but doesn't specify how transgender or non-binary students would be served, potentially creating equity questions
  • Age-appropriateness debate: Some may question whether elementary school provision is necessary versus middle and high school focus

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

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