A bill for an act providing for access to feminine hygiene products in public school restrooms and making an appropriation.
Impact
The bill stipulates state funding for the program, allocating necessary financial resources for compliance from the general fund for the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. This appropriation signifies a shift in funding responsibility toward state-level support, alleviating some of the financial burden from school districts. The Department of Education is tasked with developing processes for districts to submit their compliance costs, which fosters greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the law.
Summary
House File 333 aims to ensure that students in grades 6 through 12 in Iowa have access to feminine hygiene products at no cost. The bill mandates that school districts provide these products in at least half of the restrooms in their buildings and ensures that the supplies are regularly replenished. This initiative is intended to promote health equity by addressing the needs of menstruating students, thus reducing barriers that might hinder their school attendance or participation. The specific products defined under the bill include sanitary napkins and tampons.
Contention
While the bill has gained support for its potential benefits, there may be contention surrounding the implementation details and how effectively the funds are managed. Critics may argue about the sufficiency of funding or the logistics of ensuring consistent product availability. Furthermore, debates may arise regarding the broader implications of such mandates on school district budgets and the potential prioritization of funds in the face of other educational needs.
A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, requiring schools to conduct school safety reviews and have access to the statewide interoperable communications system, establishing the school emergency radio access grant program and the firearm detection software grant program within the department of homeland security and emergency management, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2652.)
A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, the secure an advanced vision for education fund, school district use of professional development moneys, and school security equipment and infrastructure, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 692.) Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2024.