Federal Legislation (2026 Session)
- The Menstrual Equity for All Act (Reintroduction): This comprehensive federal bill aims to allow individuals to use pre-tax dollars (HSA/FSA) for a wider range of menstrual wellness products and provides federal grants to help large-scale nonprofits—like The Period Pantry—scale their distribution operations.
- Sign the petition to end the Tampon Tax, introduced in this bill.
- The PERIOD Act of 2026: Focused specifically on federal employees and visitors, this act mandates that all federal buildings, including National Parks and Smithsonian museums, provide free dispensers in both women's and all-gender restrooms.
- The Menstrual Health Research and Education Act: This bill directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to increase funding for research into endometriosis and fibroids, conditions that disproportionately affect women of color and contribute to economic hardship through lost work hours.
- SNAP and WIC Modernization Act (Amendment 26): A highly contested but pivotal move to allow SNAP and WIC benefits to be used specifically for menstrual hygiene products, classifying them as "essential nutritional and health-related needs."
Calling All Loud-Mouths: How to Write to Your Legislator
To effectively reach your legislator in Maryland, start by identifying your specific district representatives using the Maryland General Assembly’s "Look Up" tool to ensure your message lands in the right office. Always include your full name and home address in the first paragraph, as Maryland legislators prioritize correspondence from their own constituents over outside advocates. Keep your message professional and concise by focusing on one specific bill number, such as HB 412, and explaining in two or three sentences how that legislation directly impacts your local community. Finally, conclude with a firm "ask" for their vote and a request for a written response to ensure your concerns are officially tracked and acknowledged by their staff.
Who is My House Representative?
Who is My Senate Representative?
