Good Samaritan Menstrual Products

Summary#

The Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act says people, manufacturers, and distributors who donate apparently usable menstrual products in good faith to nonprofit organizations are not liable in civil or criminal court for the products’ nature, age, packaging, or condition. The same liability protection applies to nonprofit organizations that receive and then distribute those donated products. The protections do not apply if the donor or nonprofit acts with gross negligence or intentional misconduct that causes injury or death. The bill defines “menstrual product” to include items like sanitary napkins, tampons, liners, cups, and menstrual underwear. It defines “apparently usable” as meeting all quality and labeling standards required by federal, state, and local laws even if the product may not be readily marketable.

What it means for you#

• If you or your business donate usable menstrual products in good faith to an eligible nonprofit, this bill would say you are protected from civil and criminal liability for ordinary problems related to the product’s age, packaging, or condition.
• If you run or work for a nonprofit that accepts and distributes those donations in good faith, the nonprofit would also be protected from such liability.
• The protections would not apply if someone acted with gross negligence or intentionally caused harm.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill states its purpose is to encourage donation of menstrual products. Supporters (including the listed sponsors) are proposing liability protections to make people, manufacturers, distributors, and nonprofits more willing to donate usable menstrual supplies to individuals in need.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.