The bill, HB 6168, championed by Democrat Representative Mai Xiong of Warren and co-sponsored by a group of like-minded Democratic legislators, was introduced on November 26th in an effort to ensure that every student has access to menstrual products no matter their gender.

When education meets sanitary innovation.

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Under the House bill, Michigan schools would be reimbursed for providing free tampons and pads in at least one male-designated bathroom or a gender-neutral facility alongside the female bathrooms.

$10 million budget for menstrual products.

The $10 million pot come as part of Michigan’s $17 billion school aid package. Schools can claim reimbursement based on the number of students eligible for free or reduced lunches, ensuring that even rural schools can partake in this progressive mandate.

Reimbursement requirements for Michigan schools.

Districts must meet specific requirements to receive reimbursement. Stocking tampons in both female and restrooms for males isn’t optional if schools want state funding. Additionally, schools are guaranteed a minimum reimbursement of 50% of costs, with what appears to be higher rates for districts serving economically disadvantaged students.

Supporters of this kind of legislation say that providing tampons and other menstrual products in school bathrooms, including those designated for boys, support menstruating students of all gender identities. They emphasize that transgender boys and nonbinary students may also experience menstruation and should have access to necessary products without facing stigma or inconvenience.

“Not all students who menstruate are female.”

In fact, during discussions of Minnesota’s legislation requiring schools to offer free menstrual products, State Representative Sandra Feist noted, “Not all students who menstruate are female.”

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Critics of these kinds of programs argue that educational funds could be better spent on actual educational priorities – like textbooks or technology upgrades. They are quick to point out the impracticality of mandating menstrual products in spaces where they are unlikely to be needed.

The legislation has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations and the Democrats have a limited window to get it passed before they lose their House majority in January of 2025.

Michigan News Source contacted Representative Xiong for more information about this bill and why it was introduced but she did not respond to our request for comment.