Requires that free menstrual products be provided in the commonly used bathrooms of private universities.
Summary
S04692 would amend the New York Public Health Law to require all private colleges and universities in the state to provide menstrual products in the restrooms of school buildings, at no charge to students. The bill is focused on access in commonly used campus bathrooms and applies to private higher education institutions rather than public schools or public universities.
The measure is intended to make menstrual products readily available on campus and remove cost barriers for students who need them. It would create a statewide mandate for private colleges and universities to stock these products in restrooms, and it would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section to the Public Health Law and impose a direct obligation on private colleges and universities to supply free menstrual products in campus restrooms. The practical effect would be to standardize access across private higher education institutions in New York and shift the cost of providing these products to the schools rather than students. It would affect private colleges, university administrators, and students who menstruate, while leaving public institutions outside the bill’s express scope.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the bill. It was approved unanimously in the Senate Women's Issues Committee on two recorded occasions and then passed the Senate floor by a wide margin, 53-5. The lack of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the recorded votes indicate broad agreement with the bill’s purpose of improving student access to menstrual products.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the mandate itself: private colleges and universities would be required to provide products at no charge, which could raise cost, implementation, and facilities-management concerns for school administrators. Another possible issue is the bill’s limited scope, since it applies only to private institutions and only to restroom locations in school buildings, which may prompt questions about whether public campuses or other distribution points should also be covered. Despite these possible concerns, the recorded votes show little visible opposition in committee and only limited opposition on the Senate floor.
Provides access to menstrual products in toilet facilities in public buildings owned by the state that are determined to be opened to the public; requires reporting.