# Period PROUD Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary

## What This Bill Does

The Period PROUD Act provides $200 million per year (for fiscal years 2026-2029) to help states and local organizations distribute free menstrual products to people who cannot afford them. The funding works through an existing federal program called the Social Services Block Grant, which gives money to states for social services. Under this bill, states would be required to use a portion of these new funds specifically to increase access to menstrual products for low-income individuals.

## Who Benefits

The primary beneficiaries are low-income people who menstruate and currently lack reliable access to menstrual products. This includes students, homeless individuals, people in poverty, and others struggling financially. States and nonprofit organizations that distribute basic necessities would also benefit by receiving funding to expand their menstrual product distribution programs. The bill also supports nonprofits with experience in community distribution services to provide technical assistance and training.

## Key Provisions

- **$200 million annually** allocated specifically for menstrual product access (2026-2029)
- **States distribute funds** to local nonprofits and eligible organizations to provide free products, community outreach, and improved access
- **2% of funds reserved** for technical assistance, training, and program administration
- **$2 million in fiscal 2026** dedicated to evaluating the program's effectiveness
- **Supplemental funding requirement**: New money must supplement existing programs, not replace current funding sources