S1522

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Persaud to amend the Correction Law by removing stigmatizing language around menstruation, advancing the state's menstrual equity agenda. The bill passed 56-3, with Sens. Lanza, O'Mara, and Ortt voting in opposition. Sen. Webb, chair of the Women's Issues Committee, explained her affirmative vote by noting the legislation removes terms like "feminine hygiene" and "sanitary products" from state law, characterizing such language as perpetuating shame around menstruation. Webb highlighted that the bill builds on prior New York actions, including the elimination of taxes on menstrual products and their provision free of charge in public schools, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters. "Menstruation is a healthy biological process and it is not shameful or dirty," Webb said. The legislation takes effect immediately.