§ 18A:33-29 — Findings, declarations.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. New Jersey recognizes that access to menstrual products is vital for ensuring the health, dignity, and full participation of all New Jerseyans in public life. b. A lack of access to menstrual products during the school day has a direct impact on a student's academic performance and affects the student's overall educational outcomes. c. Students lacking access to menstrual products experience higher rates of absences and are less able to focus and engage in the classroom when they are present. Absenteeism can lead to significant performance gaps and is linked to social disengagement, feelings of alienation, and adverse outcomes, even well into adulthood. d. Expanding student access to menstrual products can result in increased attendance rates. A pilot program at a New York City high school saw a 2.4 percent increase in attendance in the participating school and subsequently, the state of New York enacted legislation providing free menstrual products to students. e. By providing students with free access to menstrual products, the State can help reduce disparities in education and ensure that students are given the resources and educational access needed to meet their full potential. f. It is the intent of the Legislature that this act provide for the health, dignity, and safety of menstruating students at every socioeconomic level, as well as to help normalize menstruation among all. L.2023, c.147, s.1.