A bill to require public schools in Louisiana to carry free menstrual products for students in either a restroom or an accessible location unanimously passed in the House Education Committee.
While writing House Bill 195, bill author Rep. Aimee Freeman (D-New Orleans) said she learned from her research that many students experience "Period Poverty."
"Students who don’t have the resources to purchase supplies, go to school or don’t go to school because they don’t have a tampon or a pad," said Freeman. "It’s holding them back."
Anaya Bhatia, Caddo Parish Magnet High School student and co-president of GirlUP an organization supporting the needs of female students, told lawmakers the legislation would help female students who have little access to menstrual products.
"As early as the age of 10, we are expected to provide for ourselves, making school a place of anxiety," Bhatia testified. "I am coming to you as a student of Louisiana, as a face for the girls calling on their state to care for their most basic needs."
Co-author Rep. Jason Hughes (D-New Orleans) said the cost for local school districts would average $500 for the first year to install dispensers. Hughes said if the toiletry needs of males are supplied in school restrooms, then they should also support the needs of females.
"No young girl should have to go to school and be embarrassed, be shamed, be afraid, because of the anatomy that God has blessed her with," said Hughes.
The bill is scheduled to go before the Louisiana House on Thursday.
