Maryland is taking a stand in the fight for feminine hygiene.
Thanks to a brand-new bill referred to the committee in the Maryland General Assembly, public schools in Maryland may be required to provide free menstrual products to students. The bill (officially known as House Bill 0208), states that each county's board of education would be required to provide free pads and tampons via dispensers in the restrooms of every school—at no charge to students, of course.
The bill, which is currently in its first stage, describes menstrual hygiene products as "size-appropriate tampons or sanitary napkins for use in connection with the menstrual cycle."
If approved, Maryland public schools will need to install dispensers in at least two restrooms by October 1, 2020, and in every restroom by August 1, 2024.
Maryland isn't the only state that's made a move towards a better tomorrow.
Last summer, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed a bill that requires both middle and high schools to provide free feminine hygiene products in all female and gender-neutral restrooms, referring to the lack of access as an issue of "equality and dignity."
NH joins NY, IL, and CA as the latest state to provide free tampons and pads to students. “SB 142 will help ensure young women in NH public schools will have the freedom to learn without disruption ― and free of shame, or fear of stigma,” said Governor @ChrisSununu. pic.twitter.com/yDg2HVxyR4
— The Female Quotient (@femalequotient) July 23, 2019
“SB 142 will help ensure young women in New Hampshire public schools will have the freedom to learn without disruption—and free of shame, or fear of stigma,” Sununu said in a statement. “It should make a very big difference in students’ productivity as well as their attendance in school."
One year earlier, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District would no longer charge sales tax—also known as the "Pink Tax"—on feminine hygiene products, including menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, and tampons.
Because feminine hygiene is a necessity, not a luxury. #PinkTax pic.twitter.com/OdU9RXE5ns
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) October 5, 2018
The sales tax exemption went into effect on October 1, 2018.
What do you think? Should Maryland legislators make this bill into a law? Tell us in the comments!
