S5913A

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday requiring nonpublic schools to provide free menstrual products to students in grades 6-12, extending a requirement that has applied to public schools since 2018. Senate Print 5913A, sponsored by Sen. Chu, passed on a 52-9 vote. Supporters argued the measure addresses educational equity and removes barriers to full school participation for students who menstruate, particularly low-income students. Sen. Webb, chair of the Women's Issues Committee, noted that menstrual products disproportionately impact women living in poverty and that government assistance programs like SNAP do not cover hygiene products. "The financial cost of menstruation, a natural biological function experienced by more than half of our population, should never be a barrier to full participation in education, sports, and other activities," Webb said. Nine senators voted against the bill: Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Felder, Martins, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Walczyk, and Weik. The bill takes effect July 1.