Sen. Laura Ellman supports measure for free menstrual hygiene products in state facilities

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) supported HB2783 by voting Yes during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois Senate; the measure passed the Senate 35-19.

The bill's official description reads: "CMS-MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS."

The following analysis is based on the bill itself and may include clarification of its main features.

The legislation, known as the Illinois State Capitol Complex Menstrual Hygiene Product Accessibility Act, requires the Office of the Secretary of State to supply menstrual hygiene products at no charge in publicly accessible restrooms in the Illinois State Capitol and the William G. Stratton State Office Building. The Secretary of State is tasked with selecting appropriate locations for the dispensers, creating a schedule for restocking and maintenance to ensure constant availability, and managing the procurement, installation, and maintenance of these devices. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The official record shows the action for HB2783 was 'Third Reading - Passed'.

Ellman earned a BS from Grinnell College in 1987.

A member of the Democratic Party, Ellman was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2019 to represent the 21st Senate District, succeeding Michael Connelly.

Illinois bills move through a multi-stage legislative process that starts with introduction in either chamber, passes through committees, includes floor debate, and requires votes in both the House and Senate before being sent to the governor for signing or veto. The General Assembly works on a biennial basis and, while thousands of bills are submitted per session, only some reach the final stage to become law.