Sponsors (6)
The bill provides targeted, multi‑year federal funding so states and tribes can pilot and evaluate distribution of basic hygiene supplies to low‑income people, trading a modest federal cost and operational restrictions (limited applicant pool, admin caps, public application disclosure) that could reduce reach or deter participation for potential grantees.
Low-income individuals and families will gain direct access to free hygiene supplies (e.g., soap, diapers, menstrual products) through federally funded distribution grants.
States and federally recognized tribes will receive multi‑year grant funding ($25M rising to $32.5M annually within a $150M five-year appropriation) to run sustained program trials that test delivery approaches.
States and tribes can pilot innovative delivery models, potentially improving cost-effectiveness and reach of basic-needs programs if successful.
Taxpayers will fund up to $150 million over five years for these grants, representing a modest but real federal expenditure that could crowd out other priorities.
Nonprofits and local organizations that already operate hygiene banks are barred from applying, which could reduce program reach, responsiveness, and use of existing distribution networks.
A 15% cap on administrative costs may strain smaller grantees' ability to manage programs effectively or increase reporting burdens, limiting participation by less-resourced applicants.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a TANF demonstration grant program to fund distribution of hygiene materials and appropriates $25M–$32.5M annually over five years for the program.
Official title: To establish a demonstration pilot program to test the innovative use of funds and outcomes-oriented benchmarks for initiatives to support low income households in accessing hygiene materials.
Introduced February 4, 2026 by Michael Lawler · Last progress February 4, 2026
Creates a competitive demonstration grant program, run by HHS’s Office of Family Assistance, to test new ways for TANF funds to improve access to hygiene supplies for low-income households. Grants are available to states and tribal entities, must prioritize distribution of specified hygiene materials, limit admin costs, and require performance reporting. Provides five years of funding (starting the first fiscal year after the Act’s effective date) with stepped appropriations totaling $25M in year 1, $30M in years 2–3, and $32.5M in years 4–5; the law takes effect one year after enactment and requires an evaluation and recommendation on broader feasibility before year five begins.