SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A bill requiring free feminine products in university bathrooms is making it sway through the Roundhouse. State Rep. Marianna Anaya, a Democrat from Albuquerque, has introduced House Bill 151, which says higher education institutions must provide menstrual products in each women’s bathroom, each gender-neutral bathroom, and at least one men’s room.
It also sets aside $1 million to install dispensers and buy products. The bill cleared the House Health and Human Services Committee Monday morning by a five to four vote, despite some pushback from Republicans.
“I really have a hard time philosophically with putting them in a men’s bathroom. I there is a transgender person, they can use the gender-neutral bathroom,” said Rep. Alan Martinez (R- Rio Rancho).
“Trans men can also bleed through. I will say one of the most terrifying things that usually happen to folks who do menstruate is the fact you may bleed through your clothes and it is hideously embarrassing,” said Rep. Marianne Anaya (D- Albuquerque).
A similar bill on menstrual products in K-12 schools cleared the legislature in 2023.