Bill > A2315

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the "Menstrual Hygiene Products Program" (program) in order to promote and facilitate improved access to menstrual hygiene products to low-income residents of the State. In order to promote and facilitate improved access to menstrual hygiene products to low-income residents of the State, the amended bill requires the Department of Agriculture (department), in consultation with the Departments of Health and Human Services, to develop and implement the program. The department is required to identify, on its Internet website, the food pantries participating in the program, and the times during which each food pantry will be accessible for community residents to obtain menstrual hygiene products. Under the program, the department is required to award annual grants to food pantries for the purchase of menstrual hygiene products. Any costs incurred by a food pantry in providing an adequate supply of menstrual hygiene products will be borne by the State. Pursuant to the bill, the department is authorized to: (1) coordinate and encourage partnerships between food pantries, pharmacies, and other retail stores that participate in the program, in order to facilitate the prompt and efficient delivery of menstrual hygiene products; (2) take appropriate actions to encourage participation in the initiative; (3) develop educational and informational materials for distribution to low-income individuals, which may incorporate information pertaining to the importance of proper menstrual hygiene products, or any other topic that is relevant to the work of the initiative; and (4) take such other actions, including but not limited to adopting rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), that the secretary deems necessary or appropriate to implement the provisions of this bill and any other necessary rules and regulations in consultation with the Departments of Health and Human Services. This bill appropriates $200,000 to the Department of Agriculture to support the Menstrual Hygiene Product Program. Under the bill, each food pantry may apply for a grant of up to $10,000 each year.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Lisa Swain (D)*,  Yvonne Lopez (D),  Carol Murphy (D),  Eliana Pintor Marin (D),  Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),  Gabriel Rodriguez (D),  Shanique Speight (D),  Sterley Stanley (D), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document