In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation requiring Connecticut public schools to provide a range of menstrual products in school restrooms. This legislation was updated in 2023 to require that each local and regional board of education provides free menstrual products on and after September 1, 2024. The products must be available in all women’s restrooms, any all-gender restrooms, and at least one men’s restroom. Schools are required to supply both pads and tampons, but they may also provide additional products, including menstrual cups, reusable cloth pads, and period underwear. These products must be available to students in grades three through twelve, ensuring that menstruators of all ages can access products without shame or stigma.

 Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a guidance with recommendation for implementing the legislation. The guidance includes additional information about types of menstrual products and dispensers available, and it provides a guide for determining the quantity of products needed to serve the student body. It also contains an FAQ for school staff, sample flyers in English and Spanish at lower and middle school reading levels, and an educational poster for high school students to support implementation and advocacy.