"McElroy-Brown Hygiene and Menstrual Care Access Act; enact to establish program to provide students access to free hygiene and menstrual care products.

HB 1219, the "McElroy-Brown Hygiene and Menstrual Care Access Act," would require all public middle and high schools in Mississippi to provide free menstrual products (including pads, tampons, and menstrual cups) to students at no cost, starting immediately for Grades 6-8 and expanding to all middle/high schools by the 2026-2027 school year. Schools must make products accessible in confidential locations like restrooms and nurse’s offices, offer a variety of products, and ensure privacy during distribution. The state would fund the program with an initial $2 million and $2.5 million annually based on student enrollment, while schools could seek additional community funding. The State Department of Education would oversee implementation, require annual reports on usage and challenges, and mandate staff training and educational components about menstrual health. Note: The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.