Oklahoma Lawmaker Files Bill To Increase Access To Menstrual Products In Schools

State Senator Nikki Nice (D-OKC) said on Friday that she filed a bill that would make feminine hygiene products available to students at no cost. 

"I don't think it's a dirty word to say 'menstrual cycle.' I don't think it's a dirty word to say 'feminine hygiene.' I don't think it's a dirty word to say 'period,'" Sen. Nice expressed. 

Yet, she added, menstrual cycles are still a taboo topic -- sometimes causing stress and embarrassment. 

"And a lot of times girls are shamed for having their cycle, and that's unfortunate, especially when we're in a society where, again, this is a part of the circle of life." 

She said one in four struggle to afford feminine hygiene products, leading to higher rates of absenteeism and lower academic performance. 

"It's common sense for us to look at how again we care for the students that are part of our public school system and being able to have access to these products," Sen. Nice continued.  

The need is evident, she stated, adding that "according to Period OKC, from 2023 to 2024, there was a 23% increase in the distribution of products in our public schools.” 

Passing the bill would make it easier for teachers to focus on educating students, Nice explained. 

"It's important to understand that our teachers have been footing the bill for our students to make sure they have access to these products.” 

Previous iterations of SB 219 received bipartisan support, like House Bill 3329, which also would have provided free menstrual products to Oklahoma schools at no cost. 

While HB 3329 did not receive enough support to pass in the state senate, Sen. Nice remained hopeful that SB 219 will when the 2025 legislative session begins. 

In a press release, Sen. Nice said: 

"Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to provide free menstrual products in schools. Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City, has filed legislation that would add Oklahoma to that list – a move she said would improve attendance and student success. 

“One in four struggles to afford these products, and when students don’t have access to them, they may miss class. It’s stressful and embarrassing. It leads to higher student absenteeism, lower academic performance, and it can even cause some students to drop out,” Nice said. “States that have enacted laws providing these products saw improved attendance, and that’s important for our efforts to help Oklahoma students succeed.” 

Senate Bill 219 would require schools to make menstrual products available at no cost in public schools. The measure would become effective July 1 of this year. 

“We provide basic hygiene items like toilet paper and soap in our schools. Menstrual products are also hygiene products and they’re just as much a necessity as soap, water and toilet paper,” Nice said. “This is just common-sense legislation for a more positive impact for our students.”

SB 219 can be considered when the 2025 legislative session formally begins in February.