California Lawmaker Proposes Expanding Menstrual Product Access for Farmworkers

State Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales is introducing new legislation aimed at expanding access to menstrual hygiene products for women working in California’s agricultural communities.

The proposed bill would require the California Department of Public Health to partner with local nonprofits to distribute free menstrual products in rural and farming areas, where access during the workday can be limited.

Gonzales says the legislation is about both dignity and recognition for a workforce that plays a critical role in the state’s economy. More than 100,000 women are employed in agriculture across California, many of whom spend long hours in the fields without easy access to basic necessities.

According to Gonzales, the bill was shaped directly by the concerns of farmworkers in his district. He emphasized that the proposal reflects the voices of women who shared their challenges and called for better support while on the job.

If passed, the measure would aim to close gaps in access to essential hygiene products and improve daily working conditions for women in agriculture. Supporters argue it represents a practical step toward equity for a workforce that is often underserved despite its importance to the state’s food supply and economy.