Read the full stored bill text
×
Bill H.4611
SECTION 1. Chapter 7C of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 72, the following section:-
Section 73. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Disposable menstrual products”, products used by a menstruating individual including, but not limited to, sanitary napkins, tampons and underwear liners.
“Menstruating individual”, a person who menstruates.
(b) The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance shall provide, in all real property owned, rented or otherwise occupied by public agencies of the Commonwealth, disposable menstrual products at no cost to a menstruating individual. The disposable menstrual products shall be made available in readily accessible locations, including, but not limited to, in restrooms for menstruating individuals. and in a manner that does not stigmatize the individual seeking such products.
SECTION 2. Chapter 15A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 27, the following section:-
Section 27A. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Disposable menstrual products”, products used by a menstruating individual including, but not limited to, sanitary napkins, tampons and underwear liners.
“Menstruating individual”, a person who menstruates.
(b) Each public institution of higher education shall provide disposable menstrual products at no cost to a menstruating individual. The disposable menstrual products shall be made available in readily accessible locations, including, but not limited to, in restrooms for menstruating individuals, and in a manner that does not stigmatize the individual seeking such products.
SECTION 3. Chapter 23B of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
Section 31. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Disposable menstrual products”, products used by a menstruating individual including, but not limited to, sanitary napkins, tampons and underwear liners.
“Menstruating individual”, a person who menstruates.
(b) Any provider of temporary housing assistance, including, but not be limited to, a family shelter, a shelter for adults, a hotel used for emergency shelter, an emergency apartment, a domestic violence shelter, a runaway and homeless youth shelter or a safe house for refugees, shall provide disposable menstrual products at no cost to a menstruating individual. The disposable menstrual products shall be made available in readily accessible locations, including, but not limited to, in restrooms for menstruating individuals, and in a manner that does not stigmatize the individual seeking such products.
SECTION 4. Chapter 71 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 3 the following section:-
Section 3A. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:-
“Disposable menstrual products”, products used by a menstruating individual including, but not limited to, sanitary napkins, tampons and underwear liners.
“Menstruating individual”, a person who menstruates.
(b) Every primary and secondary school shall provide disposable menstrual products at no cost to students. The disposable menstrual products shall be available in readily accessible locations, including, but not limited to, in restrooms for menstruating individuals in a manner that does not stigmatize the individual seeking such products.
SECTION 5. Chapter 127 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
Section 170. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Administrator”, the keeper of a lock-up facility under chapter 40, the superintendent of a correctional facility under chapter 125, a sheriff or special sheriff in charge of a jail, house of correction or regional lock-up facility under chapter 126, the colonel of state police and any other official who oversees a facility used for the detention of persons arrested and held in custody or serving a sentence.
“Disposable menstrual products”, products used by a menstruating individual including, but not limited to, sanitary napkins, tampons and underwear liners.
“Menstruating individual”, a person who menstruates.
(b) The administrator shall provide disposable menstrual products to menstruating individuals held or housed in the facility overseen by the administrator at no cost. The disposable menstrual products shall be made available in readily accessible locations, including, but not limited to, in restrooms for menstruating individuals, and in a manner that does not stigmatize the individual seeking such products.
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Close