S3529A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Fernandez to ban PFAS chemicals from menstrual care products, advancing protections for women's reproductive health. The bill (S3529A, Calendar 98) passed on a 59-0 vote. PFAS is a chemical found in many daily products that, when present in feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons, can cause long-lasting reproductive harm, according to Fernandez. The senator argued the measure is a preventative step to ensure women's reproductive organs remain healthy and unharmed by unnecessary chemicals before they make decisions about carrying children. The legislation takes effect 12 months after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday to regulate chemicals in menstrual products, with the chamber voting 58-0 on Senate Print 3529A, sponsored by Sen. Fernandez. The bill amends the General Business Law to prevent the use of certain chemicals in menstrual products, addressing what Fernandez characterized as a public health and safety concern. "These are products that go in us, on us, and we should be removing any chemicals that can harm us," Fernandez said during floor debate, noting the bill contributes to normalizing conversation around periods and menstrual hygiene. The legislation takes effect 12 months after becoming law. The measure received unanimous support from the chamber.