By August 1, 2025, all public middle and high schools across Maryland must have free menstrual product dispensers in every women’s restroom—a bold move passed under the Maryland law, House Bill 205, in 2021. Maryland is joining a national wave of states tackling period poverty head-on.
This legislation is more than a facilities update—it’s a statement of dignity, access, and educational equity.
The Facts
House Bill 205 requires:
- Dispensers in every women’s restroom in middle and high schools by August 1, 2025
Back in October 2022, the Maryland law also required:
- One dispenser to be placed in every public elementary school
- At least two dispensers to be placed in each middle school and high school
Dispensers must be stocked, free, and accessible—no nurse visit or quarters required.
Who’s Paying?
The Maryland General Assembly allocated:
- $500,000 in fiscal year 2023 for initial installations
- An $453,645 investment in fiscal year 2026 to complete full restroom coverage
- School Districts submit reimbursement requests to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Why It Matters
Lack of access to period products can lead to:
- Missed class time
- Chronic absenteeism
- Social stigma
- Health concerns
Maryland’s response is practical and fair: If toilet paper is free, so should period products.
We don’t ask students to bring in their own toilet paper or hand soap … When we make students go to the nurse to get menstrual hygiene products, we cause them to miss more class time, create more work for nurses, and add to the stigma.
Del. Kirill Reznik, bill sponsor
What’s Next?
With the August 2025 deadline fast approaching, school districts are budgeting, installing, and ensuring compliance. MSDE will issue final reimbursements after September 1, 2025.
