Vending

Tennessee lawmakers push for free feminine hygiene vending machines in schools

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February 17, 2026

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Tennessee lawmakers are advancing legislation to launch a pilot program for free feminine hygiene vending machines in public schools.

The bill, SB 0587, would direct the Tennessee Department of Health to develop and oversee the program, placing the machines in women's restrooms or locker rooms.

Introduced in January 2025, the proposal aims to expand access to essential hygiene products for students across the state.

Under the bill, the department would select two public schools from each of the three divisions of Tennessee to participate, prioritizing schools with the highest percentages of economically disadvantaged students.

This includes students who are homeless, in foster care, migrants or eligible for free or reduced-price meals, according to a WSMV-4 report.

The legislation has already been recommended for passage by the Senate Education Committee and is moving through House subcommittee review, signaling growing legislative support for the initiative.