A trio of Georgia State Representatives, Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), have introduced House Bill 25, known as the “Dignity is Essential Act,” aimed at tackling hygiene inequity within the state.

The bill proposes allowing recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to utilize their benefits for the purchase of essential hygiene products, specifically diapers and menstrual hygiene items, should a federal waiver become available. “Access to hygiene products is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” stated Rep. Scott. “No parent should have to choose between buying diapers and feeding their child, and no one should have to go without menstrual products due to financial hardship. HB 25 is about dignity, health and fairness.” The proposed legislation would mandate that Georgia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) apply for a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) if the federal agency permits states to allocate SNAP and WIC benefits for these essential items. Upon approval, DHS would be required to implement the necessary changes to allow recipients to use their benefits accordingly.

Rep. Davis emphasized the bill’s potential to address systemic inequalities. “This bill is a step toward addressing systemic inequities in public assistance,” she said. “By allowing SNAP and WIC benefits to cover essential hygiene products, we ensure that families, particularly women and children, can live with dignity and security.” Rep. Schofield echoed this sentiment, highlighting the bill’s broader implications. “We are fighting for the basic needs of our most vulnerable populations,” she asserted. “HB 25 is not just a bill—it’s a commitment to public health, economic justice and human dignity.”

The bill would amend existing law, requiring DHS to submit the waiver request if the option becomes available through the FNS. If approved, the changes would be implemented to allow SNAP and WIC recipients to purchase diapers and menstrual hygiene products with their benefits, providing crucial support to low-income families across Georgia.