BILL NUMBER: S5910B
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring menstru-
al products in public colleges and universities
 
PURPOSE:
To require menstrual products to be offered for free in public college
and university restrooms.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one adds a new section 267-b to the public health law to require
all public colleges and universities in the state to provide menstrual
products in the restrooms of such school building or buildings. Such
products shall be provided at no charge to students.
Section two establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The 2019 budget included a provision requiring all public schools to
provide menstrual products free of charge for students in grades 6-12.
This groundbreaking step demonstrated that New York recognizes that
periods should not present a barrier for students to engage in academic
opportunities. However, this provision did not extend to colleges. It is
important that every of-age student in our state has free access to all
restroom necessities, including menstrual products. This is also crucial
to combat period poverty - the inability to access menstrual products
and provide students equal opportunities to excel.
This legislation would require all public colleges and universities to
provide menstrual products in their restrooms free of charge. It is
critical that menstruation, a natural biological function, does not
impose a barrier to academic achievement for any student.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.