AL
Alabama House Bill HB50

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB50

Introduced
1/11/22  
Refer
1/11/22  
Engrossed
3/1/22  
Refer
3/1/22  
Enrolled
4/6/22  
Chaptered
4/6/22  

Caption

Schools, K-12, local boards of education required to provide feminine hygiene products in women's restrooms of certain schools, no cost to students

Impact

If enacted, HB 50 would introduce significant changes to the existing protocols regarding student health resources in Alabama public schools. The state education department will oversee the grant allocation process, which is dependent on available funding. Schools that accept the grant must ensure that feminine hygiene products are readily available in female restrooms and can distribute these products through school personnel. This legislation is expected to enhance health access for students, promoting a safe and stigma-free environment regarding menstrual health.

Summary

House Bill 50 aims to establish a grant program that facilitates the provision of feminine hygiene products at no cost to students in qualifying K-12 public schools in Alabama. The bill specifically targets schools that serve grades five through twelve and receive Title I funding. Under its provisions, local boards of education are required to distribute these products, thus ensuring accessibility for female students during their menstrual cycles without financial burden. The initiative highlights a growing awareness of the importance of health and wellness provisions in school environments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 50 has been predominantly positive, with support arising from various educational advocacy groups and healthcare organizations. Many view the provision of free feminine hygiene products as a necessary step towards inclusive health services that empower young women. However, there may be concerns regarding how the program will be funded and the logistics of distribution, particularly in schools facing budget constraints. The passage of this bill reflects a commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of students in an equitable manner.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding the implementation of this program, particularly regarding funding and the effectiveness of distribution systems within schools. Critics may question whether existing budgets can accommodate the ongoing costs associated with providing these products or whether additional funding sources need to be secured. Despite this, supporters argue that the health and educational benefits far outweigh these concerns, advocating for legislative measures that prioritize student welfare.

Latest AL HB50 Activity

View All Events: AL 2022 Regular Session HB50

Companion Bills

AL SB153

Same As Schools, K-12, local boards of education required to provide feminine hygiene products in women's restrooms of certain schools, no cost to students

Previously Filed As

AL HB278

Career and technical education in public K-12 schools; home school student participation, authorized; State Board of Education, required to adopt rules

AL HB61

Public K-12 schools, home school students authorized to attend career and technical education programs in certain circumstances

AL HB364

Public K-12 schools, each local board of education required to adopt an Internet safety policy for district-owned devices used in schools, prohibit use of certain platforms, provide social media instruction in certain grades

AL HB59

Public preK-12 schools, chaplains; public schools, authorized to hire or accept as volunteers; local boards of education and governing bodies, required to vote on whether to allow; limitations, provided

AL HB65

Public K-12 education; State Board of Education required to adopt model student cell phone use policy, local boards of education required to adopt cell phone use policy

AL HB81

Public K-12 education; State Board of Education required to adopt model student cell phone use policy, local boards of education required to adopt cell phone use and storage policy

AL SB294

Public preK-12 schools, campus chaplains, public schools authorized to hire or accept as volunteers, local boards of education and governing bodies required to vote on whether to allow, limitations provided

AL HB316

Public preK-12 schools, campus chaplains, public schools authorized to hire or accept as volunteers, local boards of education and governing bodies required to vote on whether to allow, limitations provided

AL HB234

Public K-12 schools; mobile emergency rapid response systems required, State Board of Education required to adopt rules, funding sources provided for

AL SB166

Ten Commandments, required to be displayed in common area of public K-12 schools and public institutions of higher education

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.