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Bill > S2823
NJ S2823
NJ S2823Requires certain libraries to provide free menstrual hygiene products and requires State to pay costs.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires certain libraries to provide free menstrual hygiene products in its restrooms. Under the bill, a municipality or county that supports, in whole or in part, library service from municipal or county tax sources, and in which 40 percent or more of its residents reside in households with a household income at or below the most recent federal poverty guidelines multiplied by 1.85, is required to ensure that each library in the municipality or county:· provides direct access to menstrual hygiene products in each women's restroom and each all-gender restroom free of charge; and · provides and prominently displays educational pamphlets addressing topics including, but not limited to, toxic shock syndrome, menstrual disorders, and the proper disposal of menstrual hygiene products, in each women's restroom and each all-gender restroom. Under the bill, any costs incurred by a library in providing an adequate supply of menstrual hygiene products to meet the needs of its patrons is to be borne by the State. Period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual products, education, and hygiene facilities that affects 500 million people worldwide and an estimated 16.9 million people in the United States. People who experience period poverty are unable to purchase the menstrual hygiene products they need and, in many cases, this means that they cannot go to school or work or otherwise fully participate in daily life.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that certain libraries, specifically those in municipalities or counties that fund library services through local taxes and where at least 40% of residents live in households with incomes at or below 1.85 times the federal poverty guidelines, must provide free menstrual hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, in women's and all-gender restrooms. Additionally, these libraries will be required to offer and prominently display educational pamphlets on topics like toxic shock syndrome and proper product disposal in the same restrooms. The bill addresses "period poverty," which is defined as the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and hygiene facilities, a problem that significantly impacts individuals' ability to participate in daily life, including school and work. Importantly, the State will cover all costs incurred by these libraries for providing an adequate supply of menstrual hygiene products.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2823 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2823_I1.HTM |
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