Senate advances bill to provide free period products in schools, but tables final funding

Salt Lake City — The Utah Senate advanced House Bill 162 on Feb. 10, moving the measure through second reading after a floor presentation that framed free period products in schools as a public‑health and equity issue.

Sponsor Senator Milner told the chamber that community partners and a public–private coalition worked to craft the bill so K–12 schools could provide period products "in a very safe and appropriate manner to every child." "No child ever doesn't come to school because they don't have period products," she said on the floor, adding the aim is to remove shame and health risks associated with menstrual product insecurity.

Several senators voiced support during the floor debate. Senator Wyler said he hoped no one would vote against the bill, recounting international examples where lack of access forced students to miss class. Senator Kitchen cited local efforts (airport and library restrooms) to provide such hygiene products and urged colleagues to support the measure. Senator Eby emphasized that the conversation moves men's roles in policymaking and described health hazards tied to lack of access.

The Senate recorded a roll call showing HB 162 "having received 24 yea votes, 0 nay votes, 5 being absent," enabling a motion to read the bill a third time. Sponsor Milner subsequently moved to table the bill on third reading to allow time to secure funding; the motion to table passed, and the bill will await appropriation before final enactment.

The bill, as presented on the Senate floor, directs that free period products be made available in K–12 public schools; final implementation depends on funding decisions to be addressed later in the session.