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Bill

A 2190

Requires certain libraries to provide free menstrual hygiene products and requires State to pay costs.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shama Haider and 3 co-sponsors

New Jersey would require certain public libraries to stock free menstrual products at state expense to address period poverty and improve health equity access.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2190

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 2190 mandates that certain libraries in New Jersey provide free menstrual hygiene products to patrons and requires the state to fund these costs. The bill aims to address period poverty and improve access to essential health products in public library systems.

Why is this important

Period poverty affects many individuals who cannot afford menstrual products, forcing them to choose between hygiene and other necessities. Libraries are community spaces with broad public access, making them potential distribution points to reduce stigma and ensure equitable access to these products.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism and cost: The state funding requirement raises questions about budget allocation, total projected costs, and whether these funds would come from existing library budgets or new appropriations
  • Scope and implementation: Unclear which libraries qualify ("certain libraries"), what product types/quantities must be provided, and how distribution would be managed operationally
  • Precedent and role expansion: Debate over whether providing personal hygiene products represents appropriate scope creep for libraries versus other distribution models (schools, community centers, health departments)

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

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