BILL NUMBER: S7315
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to allowing for
SNAP benefits to be used to purchase menstrual products
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Allows for SNAP benefits to be used to purchase menstrual products
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Requires the state to apply for a waiver or request authorization from
the federal government to ensure that supplemental nutrition assistance
program (SNAP) benefits are able to be used for menstrual products.
Require the office of temporary and disability assistance to notify the
legislative bill drafting commission upon the occurrence of such waiver
or authorization.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Menstruation is a basic biological function that more than half the
population experiences each month for approximately 40 years. Many
people who menstruate have reported missing days of work or school or
being late as a result of unexpected menstruation or an inability to
access menstrual products.
Under previous laws to advance menstrual equity, New York State enacted
requirements for schools, correctional facilities, and temporary shel-
ters in New York State to provide free menstrual products. However, too
many people still lack access to period products. The federal Coronavi-
rus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allowed menstrual
products to be paid for with pre-tax dollars using a Flexible Savings
Account or Health Savings Account, but expired with the end of the
public health emergency.
To address the ongoing need, this bill directs the State to seek federal
approval to allow use of federal supplemental nutritional assistance
program (SNAP) funds to pay for menstrual products.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A.10130
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S7315: 95 social services law