HF 543: Providing for access to feminine hygiene products in public school restrooms and making an appropriation

What it does

This bill requires school boards to ensure that feminine hygiene products can be accessed by students without cost in at least half of the restrooms in school buildings in the district where students in grades through are educated and that the supply of feminine hygiene products is refilled regularly. The bill defines “feminine hygiene products” as sanitary napkins, tampons, or other similar items used for feminine hygiene. The bill appropriates an amount necessary to fund the full cost of compliance with the bill by school districts from the general fund of the state to the department of education for the period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028.

House subcommittee · named February 26, 2025

• Rep. Ryan Weldon (R) · ryan.weldon@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Dan Gehlbach (R) · dan.gehlbach@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Heather Matson (D) · heather.matson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 24 for, 0 against

For: American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa (ACLU-IA); American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; Des Moines Area Religious Council; Family Planning Council of Iowa; Iowa Association of School Boards; Iowa Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Iowa Medical Society; Iowa Primary Care Association; Iowa Public Health Association; Iowa School Counselors Association; and 12 more

In plain words

1. February 20, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Education committee
2. February 26, 2025House subcommittee named: Weldon, Gehlbach and Matson
3. March 3, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. March 4, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. March 4, 2025Committee vote: 23–0
6. March 7, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 883