ALBANY, NY – A proposal introduced by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal would require all public buildings owned or leased by the State of New York and open to the public to provide free menstrual products in restrooms.
The measure, Assembly Bill A01740A, amends the Public Buildings Law by adding a new Section 148 mandating that sanitary napkins, tampons, and panty liners be available at no cost in all female-designated and gender-neutral restrooms.
The legislation aims to ensure equitable access to menstrual hygiene products in state facilities, continuing New York’s ongoing efforts to expand menstrual equity. Rosenthal, who has long championed such initiatives, said the measure reflects a basic health and dignity issue.
Two years after the law takes effect, the Commissioner of General Services would be required to submit a detailed report to the governor and legislature. The report must include:
- The number of toilet facilities covered under the law,
- Implementation and renovation costs,
- The total number of menstrual products purchased, and
- The overall annual cost of maintaining compliance.
Under the bill, a “covered public building” is defined as one owned or leased by the state, under the supervision of the Commissioner of General Services, and open to the public.
If enacted, the legislation would take effect one year after becoming law.