Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 3644
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3644Health
Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 29· LAST ACTION MAY 29
READING
23MIN
COSPONSORS
74
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill addresses an issue known as 'period poverty,' where individuals struggle to afford or access essential menstrual products. This problem can lead to significant real-world consequences, such as missing school or work, experiencing health problems due to using unsafe substitutes or not changing products frequently enough, and increased rates of depression. If this bill becomes law, it could alleviate financial burdens for many, improve educational and economic opportunities, and enhance overall public health and dignity by ensuring basic needs are met.
Without this bill, millions of people would continue to face period poverty, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and health risks. It matters because it seeks to treat menstrual products as a basic necessity rather than a luxury, potentially impacting the lives of over half the U.S. population who menstruate by removing a barrier to full participation in daily life.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Allows elementary and secondary schools to use federal funds to provide free menstrual products to students.
This could ensure that students do not miss school due to lack of access to menstrual products.
PROVISION 02
Creates a competitive grant program for colleges and universities to provide free menstrual products to students, with a focus on community colleges.
This would help college students, many of whom also face period poverty, stay in school and succeed academically.
PROVISION 03
Aims to provide menstrual products for incarcerated individuals and detainees.
This addresses a critical health and dignity issue for a vulnerable population often lacking basic necessities.
PROVISION 04
Seeks to make menstrual products covered by Medicaid.
This would significantly reduce the financial burden of menstrual products for low-income individuals.
PROVISION 05
Includes provisions related to menstrual products and taxation.
This could eliminate taxes on essential menstrual products, making them more affordable for everyone.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, Ways and Means, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill addresses an issue known as 'period poverty,' where individuals struggle to afford or access essential menstrual products. This problem can lead to significant real-world consequences, such as missing school or work, experiencing health problems due to using unsafe substitutes or not changing products frequently enough, and increased rates of depression. If this bill becomes law, it could alleviate financial burdens for many, improve educational and economic opportunities, and enhance overall public health and dignity by ensuring basic needs are met.
Without this bill, millions of people would continue to face period poverty, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and health risks. It matters because it seeks to treat menstrual products as a basic necessity rather than a luxury, potentially impacting the lives of over half the U.S. population who menstruate by removing a barrier to full participation in daily life.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Allows elementary and secondary schools to use federal funds to provide free menstrual products to students.
This could ensure that students do not miss school due to lack of access to menstrual products.
high
Creates a competitive grant program for colleges and universities to provide free menstrual products to students, with a focus on community colleges.
This would help college students, many of whom also face period poverty, stay in school and succeed academically.
high
Aims to provide menstrual products for incarcerated individuals and detainees.
This addresses a critical health and dignity issue for a vulnerable population often lacking basic necessities.
high
Seeks to make menstrual products covered by Medicaid.
This would significantly reduce the financial burden of menstrual products for low-income individuals.
med
Includes provisions related to menstrual products and taxation.
This could eliminate taxes on essential menstrual products, making them more affordable for everyone.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act
Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall promulgate rules with respect to the definition of "menstrual products".
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Menstrual products
Items like sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or menstrual underwear used during menstruation.
Period poverty
The inability to afford or access menstrual products, often due to financial constraints.
Incarcerated individuals
People who are confined in prison or jail.
Detainees
Individuals held in custody, often awaiting trial or deportation.
Medicaid
A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
A federal program that provides cash assistance and support services to low-income families.
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)
A major federal law that funds primary and secondary education, focusing on equal access to education.
Institutions of higher education
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAY 29, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 29, 25
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, Ways and Means, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
