NOTICE FOR INVITATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT

The Oregon Department of Education has received a petition to amend certain administrative rules pursuant to OAR 137-001-0070 Petition to Promulgate, Amend, or Repeal Rule.

Petitioner proposes to amend two administrative rules: OAR 581-021-0587 Menstrual Dignity for Students: Definitions and OAR 581-021-0590 Menstrual Dignity for Students: Requirements. The administrative rules were adopted by the State Board of Education in March 2022 in order to implement ORS 326.545.

Invitation for Public Comment

Pursuant to OAR 137-001-0070(3), the Department is inviting written public comment on the proposed amendments, including whether options exist for achieving the rule’s substantive goals in a way that reduces negative economic impact on businesses.

Written public comment may be submitted to the Department by email at the ODE Rule Testimony inbox or mail to:

Oregon Department of Education, Attention: Rules Coordinator

255 Capitol Street NE

Salem, OR 97310

The public comment period will close on July 20, 2022.

Proposed Amendments

OAR 581-021-0587(5) Menstrual Dignity for Students: Definitions

Petitioner’s proposed amendment:
“‘Student bathroom’ means a bathroom that is accessible by students, including a gender-neutral bathroom, and any bathroom designated for females.”

OAR 581-021-0590 Menstrual Dignity for Students: Requirements

Petitioner’s proposed amendment:
“(1) All education providers shall install at least two dispensers accessible to students.
(2) All education providers shall stock and maintain menstrual product dispensers in at least two student bathrooms in each public-school building. Education providers shall determined whether to prioritize dispenser installation providing access to menstrual products for students.”

If you have any questions, please reach out to the ODE Rules Coordinator, at ODE.RuleTestimony@state.or.us