This bill mandates that both State and county correctional facilities provide female inmates with feminine hygiene products of varying absorbency levels at no cost and upon request. The legislation amends existing laws to ensure that standard feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary pads, are available to female inmates, thereby enhancing their access to necessary health products during their incarceration.

In addition to the provision of feminine hygiene products, the bill reinforces existing policies aimed at supporting primary caretaker parents and pregnant women in correctional facilities. These include prohibiting the isolated confinement of pregnant women, restricting the use of restraints during labor and postpartum, and providing trauma-informed care and parenting classes. The bill aims to create a more supportive environment for female inmates, particularly those who are mothers or pregnant, while ensuring their basic health needs are met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:1B-6.8, 30:1B-6.9