CONCORD – Republican Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law SB 142 requiring menstrual hygiene products in school restrooms.
“This legislation is about equality and dignity” Sununu said.
“SB 142 will help ensure young women in New Hampshire public schools will have the freedom to learn without disruption – and free of shame, or fear of stigma,” he said.
Rep. Polly Campion, D-Etna, co-sponsor of the legislation, said: “Being an adolescent middle or high-schooler is hard enough without the fear and embarrassment of lacking proper care products during the school-day because you cannot afford them.
“Lack of access to menstrual products undoubtedly impacts a student’s education and self-esteem and causes an estimated 1 out of 5 American students to stay home from school. Providing access to free menstrual care products in public middle and high school bathrooms is not idealistic, it’s a basic, essential measure for equality and is long over-due.”
“I am proud of the compelling advocacy devoted to this legislation, especially that of high schooler Caroline Dillon of Rochester who saw firsthand the impact of period poverty in her own New Hampshire school and that of the bill’s sponsor, Senator Hennessy. I thank Governor Sununu…,” she said.