Menstrual Equity Act: Free Products in Schools, Prisons, Federal Buildings, and Tax Ban.
This bill aims to increase the availability and affordability of menstrual products for individuals with limited access, addressing 'period poverty' which affects health and educational equity. It mandates the free provision of these products in schools, colleges, prisons, and federal buildings, and expands coverage under Medicaid and social assistance programs. Crucially, the act prohibits states and local governments from imposing sales tax on menstrual products, directly reducing costs for all citizens.
Key points
Free Menstrual Products: Elementary and secondary schools, as well as institutions of higher education (through grant programs), must provide free menstrual products to students.
Increased Public Access: Menstrual products must be available free of charge to incarcerated individuals and detainees (in federal and state facilities) and in public restrooms in federal buildings.
Personal Finance Changes: Menstrual products will be covered by Medicaid and included in social assistance programs (TANF, Social Services Block Grant), and states/local governments will be prohibited from imposing sales tax on them.
Employer Requirements: Employers with 100 or more employees will be required to provide free menstrual products to their staff.
Expired
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