A committee vote at the Capitol has advanced a proposal concerning free menstrual products in all student bathrooms.
The legislation would direct Minnesota public and charter schools to make menstrual products available without charge in restrooms serving older elementary, middle-school, and high-school students.
During the Jan. 11 committee hearing, Rep. Dean Urdahl sought to clarify that the products should be available in female restrooms. His amendment failed on the DFL-controlled panel.
Rep. Sandra Feist urged lawmakers to reject Urdahl’s language, citing gender-neutral restrooms and arguing that some students who menstruate are not female. She said lower expected usage by those students was already reflected in the projected cost.
The sponsor said districts would receive an additional $2 per pupil in operating-capital revenue to fund the requirement. She compared menstrual products to other basic supplies schools already provide.
As the bill advances, Downtown Saint Paul families can evaluate the competing arguments about access, privacy, practicality, and public expense.
Article Source: Alpha News: “DFL legislators want menstrual products in boys’ bathrooms”
