S1522
An act to amend the Correction Law — 2023-03-23 · Calendar #505
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.
PASSED
Ayes: 56
· Nays: 3
Debate Summary
Sen. Webb explained her vote in support of the bill, characterizing it as advancing menstrual equity by removing stigmatizing language from state law. She noted the legislation builds on prior New York actions including eliminating taxes on menstrual products and making them free in public schools, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters. Webb argued that terms like "feminine hygiene" and "sanitary products" perpetuate shame around menstruation, a natural biological process, and that the bill removes such stigmatizing language from state law.
Recorded Votes
Recorded votes are predominantly dissenting (nay) votes captured from roll call records.
| Senator | Vote | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Webb | aye | Democrat |
| Lanza | nay | Republican |
| O'Mara | nay | Republican |
| Ortt | nay | Republican |