Bill > A1983

Introduced Session

This bill directs the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to establish a public awareness campaign to publicize and inform the general public about period poverty and its economic and public health implications. The campaign is to include information on: (1) the definition of period poverty; (2) the causes of period poverty; (3) the number of persons in the State of New Jersey and in the United States who are affected by period poverty; and (4) what can be done to address the issue of period poverty Statewide. Under the provisions of the bill, the commissioner is to develop educational materials and public service announcements in languages including, but not limited to, English and Spanish and to disseminate information for distribution to the public on the Departments of Human Services and Health official websites and through a variety of entities and community-based programs and organizations. The bill also directs the commissioner to annually report to the Governor, and to the Legislature, no later than two years after the effective date of the bill, and annually thereafter, on the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign. Period poverty refers to the social, economic, political, and cultural barriers to menstrual products, education, and sanitation. Although period poverty is a widespread problem, there is a lack of research on the topic. It is the sponsor's intent to promote awareness of, and public actions to address, period poverty.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Linda Carter (D)*,  Shama Haider (D)*,  Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*,  Shanique Speight (D)*,  Reginald Atkins (D), 

Withdrawn from Consideration (on 01/29/2024)

Official Document