A new law requires California public schools and universities to stock their restrooms with free menstrual products.
The law, signed Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom, expands a 2017 state requirement that schools in low-income neighborhoods provide students with the health products. Schools with students from sixth to 12th grades, community colleges, and state universities must do the same beginning next fall. Private schools are encouraged to do the same.
“Our biology doesn’t always send an advanced warning when we’re about to start menstruating, which often means we need to stop whatever we’re doing and deal with a period,” Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D.-58) said about the bill she sponsored.
“Just as toilet paper and paper towels are provided in virtually every public bathrooms, so should menstrual products.”
California previously removed a tax on menstrual products that amounted to $20 million in collections each year. Womens’ rights activists have fought to make pads, tampons, and other hygiene products more affordable and accessible.
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