NEW YORK -- From the steps of City Hall, with dozens of women advocates standing behind her, New York City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland announced new legislation guaranteeing free menstrual hygiene products to women in New York City public schools, homeless shelters and jails.

The bill package passed with a unanimous vote of 49-0 by the city council on Tuesday, ensuring ready access to pads and tampons for the women who need them most -- at zero cost to them.

Now it simply needs to be signed into law by Mayor DeBlasio, which is expected to happen within the month.

This package is remarkable, Ferreras-Copeland told the crowd. It is the only one of its kind, and it says periods are powerful. Menstrual hygiene products are as necessary as toilet paper -- and no one is freaking out about toilet paper.

The historic legislation would make New York City the first city in the nation to proactively guarantee access to menstrual hygiene products, according to the councilwoman.