BILL NUMBER: S1522

SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the correction law, the public health law and the tax
law, in relation to replacing all instances of the words or variations
of the words feminine hygiene products and sanitary napkins with the
words menstrual products and pads, respectively, or a variation thereof

 
PURPOSE:

This legislation will change instances of "feminine hygiene" products in
state law to "menstrual products".

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section one amends section 625 of the correction law.

Section two amends section 267 of the public health law.

Section three amends paragraph (3-a) of subdivision (a) of section 1115
              

of the tax law.

Section four amends section 9-141 of the administrative code of the city
of New York.

Section five amends section 12-207 of the administrative code of the
city of New York.

Section six amends subparagraph (d) of paragraph 1 of subdivision a of
section 20-708.1 of the administrative code of the city of New York.

Section seven amends section 21-968 of the administrative code of the
city of New York.

Section eight sets forth the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York State has been a leader in the menstrual equity movement.
Since 2016, the State has abolished the tax on menstrual products,
required menstrual products be available for free for students in public
schools, required menstrual products be provided for free in correction-
al facilities, required ingredient labeling on menstrual product packag-
ing, and has most recently required menstrual products be made available
for free in shelters statewide. Each of these laws has moved us closer
to abolishing period poverty and ensuring that all people who menstruate
have access to safe menstrual products and that no one must miss work,
school, or other functions because of a lack of access to products.
Additionally, the passage of these laws has encouraged a conversation
around menstruation, helping to break down the stigma and shame that has
surrounded menstruation for so long.  In recognition of the reality,
that menstruation is not dirty, but a natural biological process, socie-
ty has moved away from terms like "feminine hygiene" and "sanitary prod-
uct," as these terms reinforce the idea that menstruation is dirty. To
end period poverty and achieve menstrual equity, we must also change the
language we use when discussing menstruation. This legislation will

change all instances of "feminine hygiene" products in state law to
"menstrual" products.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2022: S8229A Referred to Women's Issue

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.