TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Senate has passed a bill that would require K-12 schools statewide to stock feminine hygiene products at no charge to students.
This afternoon, the Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, which would require school districts to provide free menstrual products in public schools.
Ruiz says the new law is an effort to advance period equity.
“No child should miss valuable class time due to lack of access to menstrual products,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “This legislation will keep students in the classroom by making supplies readily available to those who need them. We must continue to remove barriers that may affect educational spaces and create environments that are inclusive and free of embarrassment for all of our students. This policy will bring us one step closer to that goal.”
The bill, S-1221, would require schools teaching grades six through 12 to provide menstrual products free of charge. Under the bill, they would have to be available in at least 50% of female and gender neutral bathrooms. The school district will be reimbursed for any costs incurred as a result of the bill.