Assembly Democrats and Republicans came together to advance a total of eight bills addressing equitable access to essential menstrual health products and education.
“I am proud of the work we have accomplished and excited to continue raising awareness around period poverty,” said Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-29). “No one should be forced to go without feminine hygiene products because they can’t afford them.”
Among the bills passed include requirements for the state to enter into contract for purchase of menstrual products, submit federal waivers to cover menstrual products for those receiving state aid and establishes a menstrual health public awareness campaign.
Menstrual Health Issues
Speight said passage of the bills shows lawmakers can provide resources for women and girls to rely on, especially significant during March which is Women’s History Month.
“We are giving crucial support to our communities and bridging gaps that prevent New Jerseyans from accessing important menstrual health care,” said the 44-year-old lawmaker
Bills Passed
A total of eight bills have been approved by the full Assembly and await action in the State Senate. The proposed laws passed are:
- A1685/3854, requiring ingredients of menstrual products to be clearly listed on packages;
- A1935, appropriating $200,000 to establish a Menstrual Hygiene Products Program;
- A1938 requiring the state to enter into contract for purchase of menstrual products;
- A3208 requiring state agencies to submit federal waivers to cover menstrual products under NJ FamilyCare, SNAP, WIC and establishes state funded benefit if federal waiver is denied with an appropriation of $2 million;
- A3211, the “New Jersey Feminine Hygiene Products for the Homeless Act,” which would provides that emergency shelters for homeless female residents make available free of charge feminine hygiene products; and
- Bill A3737, establishing a menstrual health public awareness campaign.
Beside the proposed laws, two resolutions were passed. AJR61 urges Congress to provide menstrual hygiene products under Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC programs and AJR-113 establishes the last full week of May as “Period Poverty Awareness Week.”
Swain’s Push
Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-38), another prime sponsor of the bills, echoed Speight’s commitment in moving forward on vital menstrual health legislation.
“These are absolutely necessary products that should be widely available,” stated Swain. “With these bills, we are putting critical products and the ability to make informed decisions regarding menstrual health into reach for countless New Jerseyans.”
Last year, lawmakers advanced legislation that would address health issues related to feminine hygiene, specifically toxic shock syndrome. The state now requires warning information on tampon packaging into the ingredients bill as the condition is caused by a rapid growth of harmful bacteria and usually affects menstruating people, especially those who use super-absorbent tampons.
“The legislation advanced builds on our efforts to eliminate a persisting equity challenge that has left too many residents without access to essential menstrual hygiene products,” Swain said.
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