Maryland State Legislation (2026 Session)
- The Menstrual Equity in Public Spaces Act (HB 412): This bill expands on previous school-based mandates, requiring all state-funded government buildings, including libraries and transit hubs, to provide free menstrual products in at least one designated restroom per floor.
- The Period Product Ingredient Transparency Act (SB 215): A consumer protection bill requiring all menstrual product packaging sold in Maryland to clearly list every ingredient used in the manufacturing process, specifically targeting PFAS ("forever chemicals") and synthetic fragrances.Correctional
- Facilities – Menstrual Health Standards (HB 89): This legislation establishes a minimum standard of care for incarcerated individuals, mandating that the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services provides "high-quality, name-brand equivalent" products without a required request or fee.
- Maryland Tax-Free Essentials Expansion: Building on the previous tampon tax repeal, this 2026 budget amendment seeks to include period-tracking apps and pelvic floor therapy devices under the "medical necessity" sales tax exemption.
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.
- 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.
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