NYC Weighs Novel Law on Free Tampons in Schools, Elsewhere

New York City lawmakers are poised to approve what advocates call a pioneering requirement for free tampons and sanitary pads in public schools, homeless shelters and jails.

The City Council is expected to vote Tuesday. Democratic Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (feh-REHR'-ehs)-Copeland's proposal echoes a national push by advocates to eliminate sales tax on the products.

To some extent, schools, shelters and lockups in New York and elsewhere already provide the supplies for free. But supporters say New York would be the nation's first city to make that the law in all those settings, rather than leaving the issue to more changeable policy.

Advocates say the measure also would make pads and tampons more readily available. They'd be in school restrooms instead of at the nurse's office, for instance.