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Committee recommends providing menstrual products at state higher-education campuses
Summary
House Bill 151, requiring state institutions of higher education to provide menstrual products in campus restrooms, was given a do‑pass recommendation after brief testimony from student groups, reproductive‑health advocates and campus representatives.
The House Health & Human Services Committee advanced House Bill 151, which would fund menstrual-product dispensers and supplies at state institutions of higher education, by a 5-4 vote.
Representative Anaya presented the bill and introduced student witnesses from the University of New Mexico who said campus surveys show many students face food and housing insecurity and that menstrual products are a recurring barrier to attendance and participation.
Student and community advocates urged passage. "Providing these products is a big financial help to students," said Quintin Ampersand, a law student intern speaking for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. An ACLU witness, Tatiana Prieto, said lack of access can cause medical and psychological harms and make it harder for students to attend class. Indigenous Women Rising's Leanne Lorenzo testified about higher costs for rural and tribal students who must travel to obtain supplies.
Some committee questions focused on restroom placement for products and inclusivity. Representative Sena Cortez asked why the bill requires at least one men's restroom to have products; sponsors said the provision recognizes transgender men and other people who menstruate who use men's restrooms and that campuses could be funded to expand placements. Representative Martinez said the bill could be amended to cover additional campus bathrooms if needed; the sponsor said she would work with members on placement and funding details.
Representative Kates moved a do‑pass recommendation; Representative Ferrari seconded. The committee recorded a 5-4 vote in favor and reported the bill out of committee.
What’s next: The bill passed the committee with appropriations attached in the draft; sponsors said they will work with institutions and senators on placement, product types and possible expansion to community colleges and non‑degree institutions.
