BILL NUMBER: S8498
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to providing
menstrual products at drop-in centers, intake shelters, and emergency
congregate housing
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill seeks to amend the social services law to require that
menstrual products, including sanitary napkins, tampons, and panty
liners, be provided at no cost in drop-in centers, intake shelters,
state-administered grants.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Section 152-c of the Social Services Law to include a
requirement for state-funded temporary shelters, such as family shel-
ters, adult shelters, hotels, emergency apartments, domestic violence
shelters, runaway and homeless youth shelters, drop-in centers, intake
shelters, emergency congregate housing, and safe houses for refugees, to
provide free menstrual products to individuals in need.
Section 2: Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Access to menstrual products is essential for individuals' health and
well-being, particularly for those experiencing homelessness or housing
insecurity. Many individuals living in shelters or temporary housing
face financial hardships that make it difficult to afford basic hygiene
products. By providing free menstrual products at drop-in centers,
intake shelters, and emergency congregate housing, this bill will
address a critical gap in support for individuals, especially women and
menstruating persons who are disproportionately affected by homelessness
and poverty.
The need for menstrual products is not optional; it is a basic health
necessity. According to research, 1 in 4 menstruating individuals in the
U.S. struggle to afford menstrual products, a phenomenon often referred
to as "period poverty." This issue is exacerbated in shelters where
menstruating individuals often have limited access to such essentials.
Providing these products at no cost will help restore dignity, ensure
better health outcomes, and reduce the barriers to accessing shelter
services.
New York has already taken significant steps to combat period poverty,
including mandating free menstrual products in schools and correctional
facilities. This bill builds on those efforts by extending similar
protections to some of the state's most vulnerable populations-those
experiencing homelessness or displacement. By offering this support in
state-funded temporary housing facilities, New York will continue to
lead in addressing the needs of its residents.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8498: 152-c social services law