This bill mandates that the president of each public institution of higher education in New Jersey develop a comprehensive plan to achieve menstrual equity on campus. The plan must assess current efforts, needs, and access to menstrual products, while identifying best practices for improvement. The president has the option to utilize the existing Campus Hunger Task Force or create a new initiative to facilitate the development of this plan. The bill stipulates that the plan must be established within six months of the effective date and should include an estimate of individuals in need of free products, suitable distribution locations, additional proposals to promote menstrual equity, projected costs, and a timeline for implementation.
Furthermore, the bill requires the president to implement the plan within 12 months of its effective date and to forward the completed plan to the institution's governing body, which will then relay it to the Governor and the Legislature. The definition of menstrual equity is provided, emphasizing equal access to menstrual hygiene products and the reduction of stigma surrounding menstruation. The bill aims to ensure that institutions take proactive steps towards menstrual equity, with the possibility of initiating actions before the established timeline.