South Dakota 2026 Regular Session

South Dakota House Bill HB1123

Introduced
1/23/26  
Refer
1/23/26  

Caption

Establish a pilot program to provide benefits for menstrual hygiene products and diapers for individuals who receive temporary assistance for needy families, and to make an appropriation therefor.

Impact

The bill allocates a total of $2.5 million from the general fund to support the implementation of this pilot program over its duration. The pilot program's findings will play a crucial role in evaluating its effectiveness in providing necessary assistance while simultaneously addressing broader public health concerns. It also establishes guidelines for the distribution and reclamation of benefits to ensure that funds are used appropriately and are only available to individuals meeting certain requirements.

Summary

House Bill 1123 establishes a pilot program aimed at providing financial assistance for menstrual hygiene products and diapers to individuals participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Under this program, the Department of Social Services will distribute benefits that include fourteen dollars per eligible participant for menstrual hygiene products and thirty dollars for each dependent under the age of three. The benefit is intended to alleviate financial burdens associated with purchasing essential products and promote the health and well-being of low-income families.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1123 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for affordable health and welfare solutions. Proponents argue that the provision of menstrual hygiene products and diapers as part of TANF benefits is a significant step towards addressing gender-specific health needs and reducing financial strain on vulnerable families. The legislation is viewed as progress towards supporting basic needs and recognizes the importance of these products in maintaining dignity and health.

Contention

While the overall proposal is welcomed, discussions might surface concerns regarding the adequacy of the appropriated funds and the potential need for further legislative action based on the pilot program's outcomes. Critics of welfare programs may also question the expansion of benefits, raising debates about the scope of governmental responsibility in providing specific health-related assistance. Furthermore, the requirement for a report evaluating the program's effectiveness introduces accountability but may also lead to discussions about potential modifications based on observed results over the three-year pilot period.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD SB162

Establish a biomonitoring pilot program for firefighters and to make an appropriation therefor.

SD SB194

Classify nicotine products as tobacco products, to increase tax rates on cigarettes and tobacco products, to create the healthcare workforce development fund, and to make an appropriation therefor.

SD HB1233

Provide hearing aids to children and make an appropriation therefor.

SD HB1069

Regulate vapor products and to provide a penalty therefor.

SD HB1153

Authorize a law enforcement officer to temporarily detain an individual who is reasonably suspected of committing a crime and to provide a penalty therefor.

SD SB14

Revise and repeal provisions related to agricultural production facilities and to provide a penalty therefor.

SD HB1047

Make an appropriation to reimburse health care professionals who have complied with the requirements for rural recruitment assistance programs, and to declare an emergency.

SD HB1231

Repeal the board of barber examiners and cosmetology commission, and to create the cosmetology and barbering board, to provide a penalty, and to make an appropriation therefor.

SD SB104

Provide for the publication of the cast vote record of automatic tabulating equipment and to make an appropriation therefor.

SD HB1132

Establish provisions for eligibility in the child care assistance program for certain child care employees.

Similar Bills

HI SCR78

Urging The Department Of Education To Strengthen Menstrual Health Education Initiatives And To Adopt A Comprehensive Menstrual Cycle Curriculum.

HI HR110

Urging The Department Of Education To Strengthen Menstrual Health Education Initiatives And To Adopt A Comprehensive Menstrual Cycle Curriculum.

HI HCR118

Urging The Department Of Education To Strengthen Menstrual Health Education Initiatives And To Adopt A Comprehensive Menstrual Cycle Curriculum.

HI SR82

Urging The Department Of Education To Strengthen Menstrual Health Education Initiatives And To Adopt A Comprehensive Menstrual Cycle Curriculum.

NJ A1940

Requires ingredients of menstrual products to be listed on package.

NJ SJR102

Designates May 17 of each year as "Menstrual Empowerment Day" in New Jersey.

MS HB1219

"McElroy-Brown Hygiene and Menstrual Care Access Act; enact to establish program to provide students access to free hygiene and menstrual care products.

NJ A3103

Requires DHS to establish a pilot program covering menstrual hygiene products under Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare.