County Councilmember Will Jawando introduced a bill that aims to address “period poverty” and would require free menstrual products in more public restrooms.
Under the Menstrual Products Access and Equity Act, menstrual products — tampons and sanitary napkins — would have to be available for free in certain public places with public bathrooms, like county public buildings, along with establishments required by law to have a public bathroom like restaurants and conference centers.
“The ability to access these items affects a person’s freedom to work, study, stay healthy, and engage in the world with basic dignity,” Jawando said during a council meeting Tuesday. He said menstrual supplies are a part of basic health.
A public hearing for the bill is scheduled for Dec. 5.
Jawando — “as a husband to an amazing wife and to three incredible daughters” — said he wants his family and everyone “to live in a society and a world where they are free from shame and stigma and have what they need to be healthy and happy.”
Councilmember Kristin Mink thanked Jawando for bringing the bill forward.
Per a release from Jawando’s office, the bill builds on state-level policies like the the state law requiring middle and high schools to put menstrual product dispensers in womens’ restrooms by 2025.
