Bill > S1549

This bill aims to increase access to disposable menstrual products by requiring three types of facilities to provide these products free of charge: temporary housing assistance providers, primary and secondary schools, and detention facilities. The bill defines "disposable menstrual products" as including sanitary napkins, tampons, and underwear liners, and defines a "menstruating individual" as a person who menstruates. Specifically, family shelters, adult shelters, emergency housing, domestic violence shelters, youth shelters, and refugee safe houses must make these products available conveniently and without stigma. Similarly, all primary and secondary schools must provide free menstrual products in restrooms, and administrators of lock-up facilities, correctional facilities, jails, and other detention centers must supply these products to incarcerated individuals at no cost. The key underlying principle of the bill is to ensure that menstruating individuals have access to necessary hygiene products in various public and institutional settings, removing potential barriers of cost or embarrassment that might prevent people from obtaining these essential items.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1549