August Menstruation Legislation Updates

August 23, 2022

Summer’s coming to an end, but the fight for menstrual equity never stops. Here is the August Menstruation Legislation Update!

Menstruation Legislation Passed:

• Scotland: Starting Monday, August 15th, Scotland became the first country IN THE WORLD to require all public buildings across the country to provide access to free period products, including tampons and pads. This legislation was passed in 2021, and is a monumental step for all menstruators and menstrual equity!
• Colorado HB1050: The bill creates a state sales tax exemption commencing January 1st, 2023, for all sales, storage, use, and consumption of feminine hygiene incontinence products and diapers and period products. It was recently officially signed into law on June 3rd, 2022.
• Virginia HB90: As part of a larger bill, tax has been eliminated from sales of period products!

Bills In Progress:

• California AB2482: This bill JUST passed the State Senate on August 1st! Until July 1st, 2029, this pilot program would require the California State University and the California Community Colleges to have at least one vending machine on each campus that dispenses wellness products. Such products include, but are not limited to, condoms, dental dams, menstrual cups, lubrication, tampons, pads, pregnancy tests, and discounted emergency contraception. All that’s left is an official signature into law!
• Massachusetts H4948: This bill ensures prisoners’ constitutional rights and human dignity on mental health watch and would require access to disposal menstrual products. The bill is in committee as of June 30th, 2022.

Legislation Taking Effect:

• Alabama HB50: Effective August 1st, 2022, schools, K-12, and local boards of education are required to provide feminine hygiene products in women’s restrooms of certain schools at no cost to students.