SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 50

(By Senators Karnes, Beach, Plymale, Romano, Stollings, Swope, Trump, and Unger)

[Originating in the Committee on Education; Reported on March 3, 2018]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study establishing a requirement that the Department of Education, or county board, as applicable, provide free feminine hygiene products to female students in grades 5 through 12.

Whereas, According to data from the United States Census Bureau’s 2015 American Community Survey, West Virginia ranked eighth in child poverty; and

Whereas, Impoverished female students may not have access to feminine hygiene products at home; and

Whereas, All female students deserve dignity and the right to learn without the worry of their menstrual cycle making them feel ashamed or preventing them from attending class; and

Whereas, West Virginia is dedicated to the success of all students, no matter their socioeconomic status or sex; and

Whereas, An environment for student success is promoted when students are comfortable, unashamed, and present in the classroom; and

Whereas, Senate Bill 599, introduced during the 2018 regular session of the Legislature, established a requirement that the Department of Education, or county board, provide feminine hygiene products to female students at no cost; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study establishing a requirement that the Department of Education, or county board, as applicable, provide free feminine hygiene products to female students in grades 5 through 12.

Further Resolved, That the study shall determine the feasibility of establishing the requirement and options for funding the distribution of feminine hygiene products to female students; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2019, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.