SPRINGFIELD – Menstrual hygiene products will be available to college students at no cost under a new law sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago).

“Every student on campus deserves equal access to a proper education, but that access can be severely limited if a student is stuck at home because they can’t afford menstrual hygiene products,” Villa said. “We need to treat period poverty like the public health crisis it is and fight for change across our state to increase access to necessary menstrual hygiene products.”

Public universities and community college districts will be required to make menstrual hygiene products available to students at no cost in campus bathrooms under Villa’s law.

“Period products are necessary items, like soap and toilet paper, that should be easily accessible to anyone who needs them,” said State Representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville), who sponsored the bill in the House. “Many of us know a student, or have been that student, who is late to class because they are trying to find a teacher they trust to ask for a tampon. By tackling period poverty at our schools and universities, we’re helping students stay healthy and focused on their education.”

House Bill 641 was signed into law Thursday and takes effect immediately.