New Mexico

New Mexico Menstrual Health School Attendance Act

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to mandate school districts across New Mexico to excuse and provide student absences in relation to the category of menstruation, rather than medical illness.

Requirements

1. All public and private institutions throughout New Mexico must allow students who menstruate be allowed excused absences.

2. These absences will be specifically recorded under the category of menstruation rather than medical illness.

3. Each menstruating student shall be entitled to up to 1 excused absences each month of the academic school year for menstrual-related reasons.

4. A possibility of a 2nd excused absence may be provided if confirmed confidentially by a school nurse or a designated health professional

5. Schools will provide menstruating students with the opportunity to make up any missed work, assignments, projects and examinations from menstrual-related absences. These tasks can be completed either remotely or through an extension without any academic penalty, so students may remain actively engaged in their education.

6. No student will be penalized academically or disciplinarily in relation to menstrual based absences.