U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT) introduced the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act – a bipartisan bill addressing period poverty in American communities by supporting donations of menstrual products.

Currently, certain menstrual products like tampons are considered “Class 2” medical products, and this designation deters the donation of these items. Liability concerns, even for products donated in good faith, limit both the variety and availability of menstrual products for those in need.

This legislation would provide liability protection for individuals, manufacturers and distributors that donate menstrual products in good faith, as well as for the nonprofit groups that receive and distribute them. It is modeled after the Good Samaritan Food Donations Act, a bill enacted in 1996 that created a liability exemption for food and household donations.

“Period poverty is an unthinkable challenge for far too many Americans,” says Congresswoman Meng. “It impacts individuals’ self-perception, mental health, educational opportunities and economic well-being. It can also be detrimental to their physical health, as the risk of infections increase with use of substitutions, such as paper towels or toilet paper, or because of an inability to change products as frequently as recommended. Today, one in four teenagers and one in three adults report struggling to secure menstrual products. Every day costs are continuing to rise, and it is more important than ever that we ensure everyone who needs menstrual products can access them. Our Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act would help address this need by easing restrictions on charitable donations of these products. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we fight to end period poverty once and for all.”

“Donating essential hygiene products is a meaningful way to support women and girls who rely on nonprofit partners,” says Congresswoman Maloy. “This bill ensures donors can contribute openly and without legal risk, strengthening the network of help in our communities.”

Many organizations nationwide distribute menstrual products, including at least 140 nonprofits that are active members of the Alliance for Period Supplies. This change to the law would enable these organizations to give more and different types of menstrual products to people in need. This no-cost bill would make a small but impactful technical fix that would increase access to menstrual products nationwide.

“We know that two in five people in the U.S. have struggled to afford the menstrual supplies they need,” says Lacey Gero, director of government relations at the Alliance for Period Supplies. “Unfortunately, the lack of legal protection has prevented companies from donating some trusted products, specifically tampons. That’s why the Alliance for Period Supplies has championed and worked directly with legislators to draft this much-needed reform.”

This legislation is supported by the Alliance for Period Supplies, Period Law, IGNITE National, Helping Women Period, Days for Girls International, Unicorn, #HappyPeriod Organization, Period Education Project, Advocates for Youth, PERIOD., Girls Inc., ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, Aunt Flow, Period Product Provider, The Flow Initiative, Mujeres and Menstruators United, National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, National Association of School Nurses and Kimberly-Clark.

Now introduced in the House, the bill must be approved by the House Judiciary Committee before it can be brought to the House floor for a vote.