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S 2156

Relates to requiring the Metropolitan transportation authority to hold an annual public seminar on new innovations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie

Requires state buildings and public colleges to provide free disposable menstrual products in restrooms, available conveniently and without stigma.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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Bill Summary · S 2156

Summary — S.2156 (Senate No. 2156): "An Act to increase access to menstrual products in public buildings"

Bill at a glance

  • Purpose: Require state agencies and public higher-education institutions in Massachusetts to provide free disposable menstrual products in restrooms on their premises.
  • Sponsor (petitioning senator): Patricia D. Jehlen (file text); multiple additional legislators listed as petitioners.
  • Where added: Chapter 7C (new Section 73) and Chapter 15A (new Section 27A) of the Massachusetts General Laws.
  • Status (as provided): Referred to committee(s); several procedural entries listed (see Procedural history).

Note: Some metadata supplied with the request (an alternate title referencing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and some sponsor names) does not match the bill text. This summary is based on the bill text filed as Senate No. 2156 (dated 1/15/2025), which concerns access to menstrual products.

Main purpose and intent

The bill aims to expand access to basic menstrual hygiene supplies by requiring state-managed buildings and all public institutions of higher education to supply disposable menstrual products free of charge in restrooms, in a manner intended to be convenient and non-stigmatizing.

Key provisions

  • Definitions (both new sections):
    • “Menstruating individuals”: any person who menstruates.
    • “Disposable menstrual products”: items including, but not limited to, sanitary napkins, tampons, and underwear liners.
  • For state-owned/rented property (Chapter 7C, new Section 73):
    • The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) must maintain free disposable menstrual products in all real property owned, rented, or occupied by Commonwealth public agencies.
    • Products must be available in both public and private restrooms and provided at no charge to employees or members of the general public.
    • Availability must be "in a convenient manner that does not stigmatize" users.
  • For public higher education (Chapter 15A, new Section 27A):
    • Each public institution of higher education must provide disposable menstrual products in building restrooms at no cost, with similar convenience and non-stigmatizing requirements.

Who would be affected

  • State executive agencies and facilities managed by DCAMM.
  • Public higher education institutions (state universities, community colleges, etc.).
  • Menstruating employees, students, and members of the public who access those buildings and restrooms.
  • Potentially custodial/procurement staff responsible for stocking and maintaining supplies.

Implementation, costs, and administrative issues

  • The bill mandates provision but does not specify funding sources, stocking frequencies, procurement processes, reporting requirements, or penalties for noncompliance.
  • Fiscal impact: Agencies and institutions would incur ongoing costs to purchase and restock disposable menstrual products; exact cost depends on scope, usage, and procurement strategy (not specified in the bill).
  • Operational considerations: placement (vending-style dispensers vs. free open access), inventory management, and ensuring accessibility in both public and employee-only restrooms.

Procedural history (as provided)

  • Filed/Filed on: 01/15/2025 (Senate Docket No. 1177 / Senate No. 2156).
  • Various entries (dates in record provided): introduced/read and referred to committees (Transportation; State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; Judiciary); hearing scheduled 07/22/2025; reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means (11/13/2025).
  • Note: The procedural record supplied includes conflicting committee referrals and sponsor lists. Confirm current status on the official Massachusetts legislative website for the latest, authoritative action history.

Notes/Observations

  • The bill is narrowly focused on providing disposable menstrual products (not reusable products or broader menstrual health services).
  • Because funding and implementation details are omitted, subsequent implementation legislation, budget line-items, or agency regulations may be required for full rollout.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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