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HOUSE BILL 2461
By Pearson
SENATE BILL 2683
By Kyle
SB2683
011033
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AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4;
Title 49 and Title 67, Chapter 6, relative to
feminine hygiene products.
WHEREAS, feminine hygiene products are a necessity each month for individuals
across the United States; and
WHEREAS, more than half of the United States population will likely menstruate every
month for decades of their lives; and
WHEREAS, a lack of feminine hygiene products, often called "period poverty," can
adversely affect an individual's health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, period poverty exacerbates the vicious cycle of poverty by further
marginalizing individuals who menstruate, causing them to withdraw from daily life, forego pay,
or miss educational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, addressing period poverty is essential to ensuring educational equity for
diverse populations; and
WHEREAS, studies have shown that one in four women and girls report struggling to
afford menstrual products; and
WHEREAS, studies have shown that one in ten college students in the United States are
affected by period poverty; and
WHEREAS, period poverty disproportionately affects Black, Latina, immigrant, and first-
generation students at higher rates than other cohorts; and
WHEREAS, individuals living in period poverty are more likely to experience depression
than individuals with access to period products; and
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WHEREAS, period poverty can increase the risk of infections due to the use of
substitutes for feminine hygiene products, such as paper towels or toilet paper, and the inability
to change feminine hygiene products as frequently as recommended; now, therefore,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
(a) There is exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter the sale of feminine
hygiene products.
(b) As used in this section, "feminine hygiene product":
(1) Means any product to be used by a woman with respect to
menstruation or other genital-tract secretions; and
(2) Includes tampons and sanitary napkins.
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 1, Part 2, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
(a) Upon request of a public school administrator, board, or director of schools,
the department of education shall ensure that feminine hygiene products are provided to,
and made available to students for free in, the public school.
(b) As used in this section:
(1) "Feminine hygiene product":
(A) Means any product to be used by a woman with respect to
menstruation or other genital-tract secretions; and
(B) Includes tampons and sanitary napkins; and
(2) "Public school" has the same meaning as defined in § 49-6-3502.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect July 1, 2026, the public welfare requiring it.