Peach Tree Times

State Representatives Sandra Scott, Viola Davis, and Kim Schofield have introduced House Bill 25, known as the Dignity is Essential Act. This proposed legislation aims to address hygiene inequity by enabling recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to purchase essential hygiene products such as diapers and menstrual items. This would be contingent on a federal waiver becoming available.

The bill stipulates that if the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service permits states to allocate SNAP and WIC benefits for these purchases, Georgia's Department of Human Services would be required to apply for this waiver and implement necessary changes.

House Bill 25 is designed to assist low-income individuals and families in accessing essential hygiene products. It seeks to benefit low-income parents by ensuring that Georgia can take advantage of any potential federal waivers related to these benefits.

“Access to hygiene products is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said 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.”

“This bill is a step toward addressing systemic inequities in public assistance,” said Rep. Davis. “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.”

“We are fighting for the basic needs of our most vulnerable populations,” said Rep. Schofield. “HB 25 is not just a bill—it’s a commitment to public health, economic justice and human dignity.”

The proposed legislation would require DHS to submit a waiver request if FNS provides that option. Upon approval of such a waiver, DHS would then need to implement changes allowing SNAP and WIC recipients access to purchase diapers and menstrual hygiene products with their benefits.