California Governor signs bill to require free feminine products in public schools

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California public schools and colleges must stock their restrooms with free feminine products under a bill signed Friday (Oct 8th) by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Free feminine products bill

This latest effort expands on a 2017 law requiring low-income schools in disadvantaged areas to provide students with free menstrual products.

The bill expands the law to include grades 6 to 12, community colleges and the California State University and University of California systems, starting in the 2022-23 school year. It encourages private schools and colleges to follow suit.

“Our biology doesn’t always send an advanced warning when we’re about to start menstruating, which often means we need to stop whatever we’re doing and deal with a period,” Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia said of her legislation. “Just as toilet paper and paper towels are provided in virtually every public bathrooms, so should menstrual products.”

Statement from Governor Newsom

“What we’re doing here in California is unprecedented in nature and scale, but it all comes back to providing California’s students with the best opportunities to learn, achieve, and succeed,” said Governor Newsom.

“We’re implementing the historic, transformative measures needed to help support our students’ health and wellbeing, bridge the digital divide with improved access to broadband, and expand educational opportunities for future generations.”