SPRINGFIELD – College students would have access to menstrual hygiene products at no cost under State Senator Karina Villa’s (D-West Chicago) measure, which passed the Senate Tuesday.
“Students should not be forced to miss class or arrive late due to lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products,” Villa said. “Every student has access to essentials like hand soap and toilet paper — menstrual products shouldn’t be any different.”
Public universities and community college districts would be required to make menstrual hygiene products available to students at no cost in campus bathrooms under Villa’s legislation.
“Menstrual hygiene products are essential items for a healthy and well student — having access to those products on campus is a necessity, not a privilege,” Villa said. “Period poverty should not curb a woman’s right to a proper education.”
House Bill 641 passed the Senate with a vote of 42-13.
