Compendium of Menstrual Product Rules

Complete List of Rules Around Menstrual Products in Prisons and Jails in the U.S.

This table shows the statutes (laws), administrative laws (code), regulations, and handbook excerpts that mention menstrual products in prisons and other facilities. For each rule, I have included an excerpt, the facilities it applies to, and a link to the full rule. Rules that previously mentioned menstrual products but were updated and now do not are listed below the main table. This table is dynamic, allowing for searching and sorting of the data.
Facilities run by corrections departments are generally assumed to be prisons, and facilities run by local counties or metro areas are generally assumed to be jails for the purpose of this table.

Jurisdiction	Citation	Category	Facility Type	Excerpt
Federal	18 U.S.C. § 4042 (First Step Act)	Statute	Prisons	HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS Pub. L. 115–391, title VI, § 611, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5247, provided that: (a) AVAILABILITY.—The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall make the healthcare products described in subsection (c) available to prisoners for free, in a quantity that is appropriate to the healthcare needs of each prisoner. (b) QUALITY PRODUCTS.—The Director shall ensure that the healthcare products provided under this section conform with applicable industry standards. (c) PRODUCTS.—The healthcare products described in this subsection are tampons and sanitary napkins.
Federal	BOP Program Statement 5230.05 – Grooming	Regulation	Prisons	For women, products for female hygiene needs shall be available.
Federal	BOP Program Statement 5200.09 – Female Offender Manual	Regulation	Prisons	The First Step Act of 2018, Section 611: (a) AVAILABILITY.—The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall make the healthcare products described in subsection (c) available to prisoners for free, in a quantity that is appropriate to the healthcare needs of each prisoner. (b) QUALITY PRODUCTS.—The Director shall ensure that the healthcare products provided under this section conform with applicable industry standards. (c) PRODUCTS.—The healthcare products described in this subsection are tampons and sanitary napkins. Hair styling irons (curling iron, flat iron) and hair dryers must also be made available to inmates. Wardens will ensure inmates are provided the following products (at no cost to the inmates): ■ Tampons, regular and super size. ■ Maxi Pads with wings, regular and super size. ■ Panty liners, regular. Additional products of this type may be purchased and issued by the facility at the discretion of the Warden. Institutions will purchase the products in accordance with National Acquisitions guidance. These products are provided in addition to those required via the standardized female specific commissary list. In issuing feminine hygiene products, staff may not ration these items. For inmates in general population, all products must be made available in common areas, either a bathroom or accessible area of the housing unit. Women must have access to these items at all times of the day and may keep them in their cell, consistent with personal property requirements. Monthly issuance of these items is strictly prohibited, and unit replenishment of supplies must be done with 24 hours of notification that a particular product is lacking. For women in restrictive housing, all five products must be available for issuance on a daily basis. Misuse of items for other than intended purposes is not cause for withholding access, but is managed via routine disciplinary procedures.
Federal	FCI Greenville Camp Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Sanitary napkins and soap are issued by the institution, as well as other hygiene products (for indigent inmates) and are available in the housing units.
Federal	FDC Houston Center	Handbook	Prisons	Products for female hygiene are available upon request.
Federal	FDC Houston Holdover	Handbook	Prisons	Products for female hygiene are available upon request.
Federal	FDC SeaTac	Handbook	Prisons	Articles necessary for maintaining personal hygiene to include: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste or powder, comb, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper are available from the Unit Officer or requested by laundry.
Federal	FCI Waseca	Handbook	Prisons	Sanitary pads (regular and super), tampons (regular and super), and panty liners are issued by the institution and made available to all inmates on the housing unit in inmate restrooms.
Alabama	AL Code § 14-3-44	Statute	Prisons	The Department of Corrections shall provide feminine hygiene products to female prisoners at the expense of the department, as soon as is practicable, upon request by the female prisoner.
Alabama	AL Code § 14-6-19	Statute	Jails	The sheriff of a county shall provide to prisoners at the expense of the county, all of the following:…Feminine hygiene products to female prisoners, as soon as is practicable, upon request by the female prisoner.
Alabama	AL DoC Administrative Regulation 338 – Inmate Property	Regulation	Prisons	Initial Intake: The ADOC shall govern the inmate property of those inmates new to the system…Each inmate will be issued at intake:…Feminine Hygiene products are readily available (female). INMATE PERSONAL PROPERTY INSTITUTIONS The following annex includes a list of personal property and state-issued property that inmates may possess within their locker box or other areas designated by the Warden/Designee. Inmates may also possess any approved item from the Canteen that is not listed. This list governs all inmate personal and state-issued property. This list will be attached and updated annually at a minimum…Hygiene Items…Female Hygiene Products – female only (30) INMATE PERSONAL PROPERTY WORK RELEASES Maximum $50 value per item of clothing, total combined clothing replacement costs will not exceed $400.00, and total combined personal property replacement costs will not exceed $540.00…Hygiene Items:…Female Hygiene Products – (30)
Alabama	AL Women’s Services Inmate Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Hygiene Items – Necessary toilet articles will be supplied for you or you can purchase preferred items from the canteen. Necessary items include toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap, hair shampoo, hair pressing oil, deodorant, disposable razor, shaving cream, a comb and brush, shower shoes, feminine hygiene items (sanitary napkins and tampons), and toilet paper. Both feminine hygiene items and toilet paper are unlimited and are continuously stocked on all units. If you are running low or out of these, please tell a staff member.
Alaska	AK DoC Policy and Procedure 806.02 – Prisoner Hygiene, Grooming, and Sanitation	Regulation	Prisons	Personal Hygiene Items: 1. When admitted to the institution, the Department shall give each prisoner, at a minimum, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, and feminine hygiene items for women.
Alaska	Hiland Mountain Correctional Center Prisoner Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Authorized Property List…Sanitary Napkin/Tampons – box…quantities as required, prescribed or permitted by Medical or approved by the Superintendent
Arizona	AZ Rev Stat § 31-201.01	Statute	Prisons	N. On request of a female inmate, the director shall provide female inmates with a sufficient supply of feminine hygiene products. Notwithstanding any other law, the director may not charge female inmates for feminine hygiene products. O. For the purposes of this section: 1. ” Feminine hygiene products” includes tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual sponges, menstrual cups and similar items that are used for a menstrual cycle.
Arizona	AZ DoC Department Order: 909 – Inmate Property	Regulation	Prisons	3.9 Feminine Hygiene Products 3.9.1 Female inmates, including those who are determined to be Health and Welfare Indigent, shall receive a total of 36 sanitary napkins and/or tampons monthly, based on their preference, from the State Issue Officer or designee. 3.9.1.1 Female inmates may obtain additional feminine hygiene products through the inmate store at no cost to the inmate, upon request
Arkansas	AR Code § 12-32-103	Statute	Jails and Prisons	(a) A correctional or detention facility shall establish a policy for providing:…(2) A necessary number of hygiene products for female inmates and detainees;
Arkansas	004.03.22 Ark. Code R. 002 – Minimum Standards for Adult Criminal Detention Facilities	Administrative Code	Jails	SECTION 6-1010. ASSIGNMENT TO QUARTERS At the conclusion of the booking procedure, the detainee shall be assigned suitable quarters, clean and adequate bedding, and other items necessary for sanitation and proper hygiene. Pursuant to A.C.A. § 12-32-103, every detention facility shall establish a written policy for providing the following items:…(2) A necessary number of hygiene products for female detainees,
Arkansas	AR DoC Inmate Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Personal Clothing The ADC provides uniforms, undergarments, a pair of shoes, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, safety razor with blade, bath towels and feminine hygiene items.
California	CA Penal Code § 3409	Statute	Prisons	(a) A person incarcerated in state prison who menstruates or experiences uterine or vaginal bleeding shall, without needing to request, have ready access to, and be allowed to use, materials necessary for personal hygiene with regard to their menstrual cycle and reproductive system, including, but not limited to, sanitary pads and tampons, at no cost to the person.
California	CA Penal Code § 4023.5	Statute	Jails	(a) A person confined in a local detention facility shall be allowed to continue to use materials necessary for personal hygiene with regard to their menstrual cycle and reproductive system, including, but not limited to, sanitary pads and tampons, at no cost to the incarcerated person.
California	Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 15, § 1265 – Issue of Personal Care Items	Administrative Code	Jails	There shall be written policies and procedures developed by the facility administrator for the issue of personal hygiene items. Each menstruating person shall be provided with sanitary napkins, panty liners, and tampons as requested with no maximum allowance.
Colorado	CO Rev Stat § 17-1-112	Statute	Jails	At a minimum, the guidelines must allow each county and each city and county to report costs in the following categories:…(g) Menstrual hygiene products, as defined by section 17-1-113.6
Colorado	CO Rev Stat § 17-1-113.6	Statute	Prisons	(1) A correctional facility or private contract prison shall provide whichever menstrual hygiene products are requested by a person in custody to the person in custody at no expense to the person in custody. A correctional facility or private contract prison shall not impose any condition or restriction on a person in custody’s access to menstrual hygiene products. (2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “menstrual hygiene products” means tampons, menstrual pads, sanitary napkins, and pantiliners.
Colorado	CO Rev Stat § 17-1-114.5	Statute	Prisons	(1) A correctional facility or private contract prison incarcerating a person who is capable of pregnancy shall:…(c) Provide each pregnant person, during the person’s pregnancy and through the person’s postpartum period, with access to:…(II) Healthy foods and information on nutrition, recommended activity levels, safety measures, and supplies, including menstrual products as required in section 17-1-113.6
Colorado	CO Rev Stat § 17-26-104.3	Statute	Jails	(1) A facility, as defined in subsection (2) of this section, whether operated by a governmental entity or a private contractor, shall provide whichever menstrual hygiene products are requested by a person in custody to the person in custody at no expense to the person in custody. The facility shall not impose any condition or restriction on a person in custody’s access to menstrual hygiene products. (2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) “Facility” means: (I) A local jail, as defined in section 17-1-102(7); (II) A multijurisdictional jail, as described in section 17-26.5-101; and (III) A municipal jail, as authorized in section 31-15-401(1)(j). (b) “Menstrual hygiene products” means tampons, menstrual pads, sanitary napkins, and pantiliners.
Colorado	CO Rev Stat § 17-26-104.4	Statute	Jails	(1) A facility incarcerating a person who is capable of pregnancy, whether operated by a governmental entity or a private contractor, shall:…(c) Provide each pregnant person, during the person’s pregnancy and through the person’s postpartum period, with access to:…(II) Healthy foods and information on nutrition, recommended activity levels, safety measures, and supplies, including menstrual products as required in section 17-26-104.3, and breast pumps approved by the sheriff or the sheriff’s designee;
Colorado	CO Rev Stat § 26-1-136.5	Statute	Human Services facilities	(1) A department of human services facility shall provide whichever menstrual hygiene products are requested by a person in the custody of a department of human services facility to the person in custody at no expense to the person in custody. The department of human services facility shall not impose any condition or restriction on a person in custody’s access to menstrual hygiene products. (2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “menstrual hygiene products” means tampons, menstrual pads, sanitary napkins, and pantiliners.
Colorado	CO Rev Stat § 26-1-136.8	Statute	Human Services facilities	(1) A state department facility that has in its custody a person who is capable of pregnancy shall:…(c) Provide each pregnant person, during the person’s pregnancy and through the person’s postpartum period, with access to:…(II) Healthy foods and information on nutrition, recommended activity levels, safety measures, and supplies, including menstrual products as required in section 26-1-136.5
Colorado	CO Rev Stat § 31-15-404	Statute	Jails	A municipality that chooses to establish and operate a jail, as authorized in section 31-15-401(1)(j), shall comply with the provisions of section 17-26-104.3 concerning the provision of menstrual hygiene products to a person in custody at no expense to the person in custody.
Colorado	CO DoC Administrative Regulation 850-11 Offender Clothing and Bedding Issue, Dress Code, Hygiene, and Grooming	Regulation	Prisons	K. Hygiene Items…All facilities will provide a controlled adequate issuance of toilet paper and feminine hygiene supplies (femaleoffenders only).
Colorado	Denver Women’s Correctional Facility Offender Orientation Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	You will be issued one hygiene kit which includes: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo, feminine hygiene pads, and toilet paper.
Connecticut	CT Gen Stat § 18-69e	Statute	Prisons	Correctional staff at York Correctional Institution shall, upon request, provide an inmate at the institution with menstrual products as soon as practicable. Correctional staff shall provide such menstrual products for free, in a quantity that is appropriate to the health care needs of the inmate and, on and after July 1, 2023, in a manner that does not stigmatize any inmate seeking such products, pursuant to guidelines established by the Commissioner of Public Health under section 19a-131l. To carry out the provisions of this section, the Department of Correction may (1) accept donations of menstrual products and grants from any source for the purpose of purchasing such products, and (2) partner with a nonprofit or community-based organization. For purposes of this section, “menstrual products” means tampons and sanitary napkins.
Connecticut	CT Gen Stat § 18-99b	Statute	Correction Schools	(c) On and after July 1, 2023, the school district acting by the Commissioner of Correction shall upon request, provide a person confined in any institution of the Department of Correction who is attending a school within such district menstrual products as soon as practicable. Correctional staff shall provide such menstrual products for free, in a quantity that is appropriate to the health care needs of such person and in a manner that does not stigmatize any person seeking such products, pursuant to guidelines established by the Commissioner of Public Health under section 19a-131l. To carry out the provisions of this section, the Department of Correction may (1) accept donations of menstrual products and grants from any source for the purpose of purchasing such products, and (2) partner with a nonprofit or community-based organization.
Delaware	29 DE Code § 8903	Statute	Prisons	The Commissioner shall:…(14) Provide feminine hygiene products to inmates at no cost in facilities maintained by the Department. For purposes of this paragraph, “feminine hygiene products” means tampons and sanitary napkins, for use in connection with the menstrual cycle.
Florida	FL Stat § 944.242	Statute	Jails and Prisons	Dignity for women in correctional facilities.— (1) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term: (a) “Correctional facility” means any part of the correctional system, any county detention facility, juvenile detention center or residential facility, temporary holding center, or other criminal detention facility operated by or on behalf of the state or any political subdivision… (c) “Health care products” includes the following: 1. Feminine hygiene products, including tampons… (2) HEALTH CARE PRODUCTS.—A correctional facility shall make available health care products to each woman incarcerated in the facility at no cost to the woman in a quantity that is appropriate to the needs of the woman without a medical referral. A correctional facility may not require that a woman be diagnosed with an illness in order to access health care products. A correctional facility shall make health care products available in common housing areas and in medical care facilities.
Florida	Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 33-601.800 – Close Management	Administrative Code	Prisons	The following comfort items shall be provided at a minimum: toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap, towel or paper towels, feminine hygiene products for women, and toilet tissue.
Florida	Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 33-601.830 – Death Row	Administrative Code	Prisons	At a minimum, death row inmates shall be provided a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap, a towel or paper towels, toilet tissue, and feminine hygiene products for women.
Florida	Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 33-602.201 – Inmate Property	Administrative Code	Prisons	Feminine hygiene products (internal and external) (female only) (state issue or authorized source)
Florida	Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 33-602.220 – Administrative Confinement	Administrative Code	Prisons	The following comfort items shall be provided at a minimum: toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap, towel or paper towels, toilet tissue, and feminine hygiene products for women.
Florida	Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 33-602.222 – Disciplinary Confinement	Administrative Code	Prisons	Inmates in disciplinary confinement shall be afforded, at a minimum, the following comfort items: toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap, towel (or paper towels), toilet tissue, and feminine hygiene products for women.
Georgia	Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 125-2-3-.04 – Personal Hygiene	Administrative Code	Prisons	Necessities shall include, but not be limited to, soap, razor blades or other shaving devices, toothbrushes, toothpaste or powder, etc. Female inmates shall be provided additional hygiene items as required.
Georgia	GA DoC Standard Operating Procedures Policy Number: 206.04 – Feminine Hygiene Items Issuance	Regulation	Prisons	Introduction and Summary: It is the policy of the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) to ensure hygiene items shall be provided to all offenders according to need and the schedule herein or as requested by medical. This Standard Operating Procedure establishes the responsibilities and procedures for the issuance of women’s feminine hygiene items to the offenders of the GDC. A. Staff Responsibilities: 1. The Administrative Lieutenant shall be responsible for ensuring that the Laundry Officer issues the hygiene items to the offender population according to need and to the frequency schedule. 2. The Laundry Officer shall be responsible for: a. Maintaining documentation (receipts) of all hygiene items that are issued weekly; b. Keeping a log of each time the items are issued to the offenders; c. The log shall contain the date and the amount of each item issued, and each offender’s name; d. Maintaining a record of inventory of each hygiene item and ensuring adequate product is kept on hand; e. Bringing the hygiene items necessary to the housing units, medical, all other areas indicated by the Warden or his/her designee in a timely manner and issuing items to offenders; and f. Bringing hygiene items to all offenders who are confined to bed or otherwise unable to come pick up their hygiene items such as offenders housed in restrictive housing or Medical. 3. Medical is responsible for ensuring that a complete and detailed list of offenders with special feminine hygiene needs is kept and that profiles are given to all such offenders so that all such offenders receive all required feminine hygiene items as prescribed by Medical; and 4. Offenders shall be responsible for reporting to the designated area when their dormitory is called to receive hygiene items. B. Process for Issuance of Hygiene Products: 1. The Shift Officer in Charge (OIC) shall make an announcement weekly at the time and date designated by each facility for the offenders to report for their hygiene items. 2. The Shift OIC shall assign an officer(s) to monitor offenders entering the area designated for hygiene issuance. 3. The Dormitory Officer will notify the offenders to report to the designated area to receive their hygiene items once the announcement is made. 4. The Laundry Officer shall set up a table in the designated area with the items listed below to be issued to the offenders. 5. The offenders will show the officer their ID Card before receiving the hygiene items. 6. Gender non-conforming offenders, including transgender offenders, may request specific hygiene items appropriate to their needs and such requests will be reviewed by the Warden and either approved or disapproved… 10. Toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and tampons will be readily available to offenders in the housing units. 11. The Sanitation Officer will ensure daily that the hygiene cabinet in each dorm is stocked with toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and tampons always. 12. While offenders are in GDC custody, basic issued items are to be replaced when the item is empty or worn out from normal use, regardless of the frequency, however special allowances will be made for instances involving medical-related needs or for items worn, damaged, or missing for reasons beyond the offender’s control. 14. Offenders who do not receive required items may speak to any staff; to include shift supervisor and executive staff. 15. Offenders may use the grievance system if they are not receiving required items and their concerns will be addressed promptly.
Hawaii	HI DoC Policy COR.17.04 – Personal Hygiene	Regulation	Prisons	Policy .1 Wardens shall ensure that sufficient services and supplies are available so that all inmates are provided the opportunity to keep clean and to practice habits essential to the maintenance of personal hygiene. .2 Upon admission to a facility, inmates shall be issued personal hygiene items…. b. Additionally, all female inmates shall also receieve: sanitary napkins, tampons and panty liners upon intake and/or provided access to these options in the housing units…excess personal hygiene items shall be considered contraband.
Idaho	ID DoC Standard Operating Procedure 306.02.01.001 – Hygiene of Inmates, Inmate Barbers, and Facility Housekeeping	Regulation	Prisons	These Items may be issued as necessary: • Sanitary napkins for female inmates, as needed
Illinois	730 ILCS 5/3-7-2	Statute	Prisons	Menstrual hygiene products shall be available, as needed, free of charge, at all institutions and facilities of the Department for all committed persons who menstruate. In this subsection (j), “menstrual hygiene products” means tampons and sanitary napkins for use in connection with the menstrual cycle.
Illinois	Ill. Admin. Code tit. 20, § 701.100 – Clothing, Personal Hygiene, Grooming	Administrative Code	Jails	Female detainees shall be provided articles for feminine hygiene.
Illinois	Ill. Admin. Code tit. 20, § 720.60 – Supervision	Administrative Code	Jails	Detainees shall be supplied with the following materials on an as needed basis: 1) Personal hygiene items, such as toilet tissue, soap, paper towels, and feminine hygiene items
Illinois	LOGAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER OFFENDER HANDBOOK & ORIENTATION MANUAL	Handbook	Prisons	State–issued feminine hygiene products are distributed on state-pay week at no charge to the offender. Feminine hygiene products are also available for purchase at the Offender Commissary.
Illinois	FOX VALLEY ADULT TRANSITION CENTER RESIDENT HANDBOOK	Handbook	Prisons	Sanitary pads are available at the Shift area.
Indiana	IN DoC Policy 02-01-104 – OFFENDER GROOMING, CLOTHING, AND PERSONAL HYGIENE	Regulation	Prisons	Facilities housing female offenders shall ensure that the personal hygiene kits include sanitary napkins and tampons… No offender shall be required to go without the basic hygiene items, as found in the personal hygiene kits and including toilet paper and feminine hygiene items in female facilities, solely due to lack of funds to purchase these items. Facilities are not required to provide replacement hygiene items to offenders who choose to spend their funds on commissary items that are not essential or required for the offender’s well-being. (i.e., it is not necessary for the facility to provide hygiene items to offenders who are not indigent and who decide to purchase non-hygiene items rather than hygiene items from the commissary.)…Offenders who choose to purchase items not necessary to their well-being rather than necessary personal hygiene items and whose level of personal hygiene deteriorates as a result shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the appropriate Policy and Administrative Procedure 02-04-101, “The Disciplinary Code for Adult Offenders,” or Policy and Administrative Procedure 03-02-101, “Code of Conduct for Juvenile Offenders.”…Personal hygiene items may be denied to an individual offender or an individual offender’s access to these items may be restricted if the Warden determines that this action is in the best interest and safety of the facility and the offender…Offenders who are assigned to a management unit (e.g., administrative restrictive status housing, disciplinary restrictive status housing, infirmary, etc.) may be restricted as to the personal hygiene items that are maintained in the offender’s living area if staff determines that the possession of these items may present a threat to the safety and security of the facility, staff, or offenders.
Iowa
Kansas	KS DoC General order 12-108 Issue of Hygiene Items	Regulation	Prisons	Feminine Hygiene Items can be ordered from Canteen at no cost by any resident, whether indigent or not. A. Monthly combined limit of two (2). i. Tampax Tampon Regular (20 count); ii. Tampax Tampon Super (20 Count); iii. Preference Regular Maxi Pads (24 Count); iv. Preference Super Maxi Pads (22 Count); b. Monthly limit of one (1) i. Always Panty Liner (20 Count).
Kentucky	KY Rev Stat § 441.055	Statute	Jails	All minimum standards promulgated by the department applying to jails shall include requirements for adequate nutrition for pregnant prisoners, an adequate number of hygiene products for female prisoners, and an appropriate number of undergarments for female prisoners.
Kentucky	501 KAR 13:010 – Life safety issues	Administrative Code	Jails	All prisoners shall be provided with toilet paper or feminine hygiene items when needed.
Kentucky	501 KAR 16:290 – Preliminary and post execution procedures concerning condemned person	Administrative Code	Jails	Notwithstanding 501 KAR 6:020, CPP 17.1, CPP 14.2, 501 KAR 6:040, KSP 17-01-01, 17-01-03 and 17-01-04, the warden may limit the condemned person’s clothing, state-issued items, and personal property for a female to the items in Section 5 of this administrative regulation and the following: (a) One (1) bra; (b) Sanitary napkins; and (c) Tampons.
Kentucky	KY DoC Policy 14.2 – Personal Hygiene Items	Regulation	Prisons	All institutions shall provide the following to inmates without charge:…Sanitary napkins – issued to female inmates only
Louisiana	LA Rev Stat § 15:892.1	Statute	Jails and Prisons	A custodian shall make healthcare products available to all women incarcerated in a correctional facility at no cost and in a quantity that is appropriate to the needs of the woman without a medical permit. Custodians shall not require that a woman be diagnosed with an illness to access healthcare products. Custodians shall make healthcare products available in housing units and in the medical area of a correctional facility. (2) Healthcare products, as used in this Section, shall include all of the following: (a) Feminine hygiene products.
Louisiana	La. Admin. Code tit. 22, § I-1303 – Standard Operating Procedures	Administrative Code	Judicial agency referral residential facilities	Residents shall have access to personal hygiene articles including soap, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, toilet paper, shaving gear and/or feminine hygiene articles.
Maine	34-A ME Rev Stat § 3031	Statute	Prisons	Menstrual products. Comprehensive access to menstrual products, including, but not limited to, sanitary pads and tampons, provided and available at all times and without inconvenience or charge to a person who menstruates who resides in a correctional or detention facility; and
Maine	30-A ME Rev Stat § 1565	Statute	Jails	Menstrual products Any person who is incarcerated in a jail or other county correctional facility who menstruates has a right to comprehensive access to menstrual products, including, but not limited to, sanitary pads and tampons, provided and available at all times and without inconvenience or charge to the incarcerated person.
Maryland	MD Correctional Services Code § 3-207	Statute	Prisons	On or before October 31 of each year, the Commissioner shall submit an annual report to the Secretary and the Governor that states, for each correctional facility in the Division… the annual cost of living for incarcerated individuals, including the average cost of…items available for purchase at a commissary, including…feminine hygiene products
Maryland	MD Correctional Services Code § 4-214	Statute	Prisons	(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Commission” means the Maryland Commission of Correctional Standards. (3) “Menstrual hygiene products” includes tampons and sanitary napkins for use in connection with the menstrual cycle. (b)(1) The Institution shall have a written policy and procedure in place requiring menstrual hygiene products to be provided at no cost to a female incarcerated individual on: (i) admission to the facility; (ii) a routine basis; and (iii) request. (2) The Director shall ensure that the Institution has a sufficient supply of menstrual hygiene products available to meet the needs of the incarcerated individual population at all times. (c) The Commission shall establish standards regarding the proper disposal of menstrual hygiene products. (d) The Institution shall maintain records on the provisions and availability of menstrual hygiene products to incarcerated individuals. (e) The Commission shall review the Institution’s policy and records relating to menstrual hygiene products during regular inspections.
Maryland	MD Correctional Services Code § 9-616	Statute	Prisons	(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Commission” means the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards. (3) “Menstrual hygiene products” includes tampons and sanitary napkins for use in connection with the menstrual cycle. (b) This section applies to local correctional facilities and correctional facilities in the Division of Correction. (c)(1) Each correctional facility shall have a written policy and procedure in place requiring menstrual hygiene products to be provided at no cost to a female incarcerated individual on: (i) admission to the facility; (ii) a routine basis; and (iii) request. (2) The managing official of a correctional facility shall ensure that the facility has a sufficient supply of menstrual hygiene products available to meet the needs of the incarcerated individual population at all times. (d) The Commission shall establish standards regarding the proper disposal of menstrual hygiene products. (e) Each correctional facility shall maintain records on the provision and availability of menstrual hygiene products to incarcerated individuals. (f) The Commission shall review each correctional facility’s policy and records relating to menstrual hygiene products during regular inspections.
Maryland	Md. Code Regs. 12.14.01.01 – Definitions	Administrative Code	Jails and Prisons	Menstrual hygiene products” has the meaning stated in Correctional Services Article, §§ 4-214 and 9-616, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Maryland	Md. Code Regs. 12.14.03.05 – Standards-Inmate Housing and Sanitation	Administrative Code	Prisons	The managing official of a correctional facility shall have a written policy and procedure…Governing facility housekeeping, which includes provisions for…A secure paper or plastic receptacle for daily disposal of soiled menstrual hygiene products; and (e) Weekly removal of paper or plastic receptacles containing soiled menstrual hygiene products…Governing the availability of personal hygiene articles, which includes provisions for…The issue of no cost menstrual hygiene products to a female inmate at the time of admission to a facility, on a routine basis, and upon request…A record of inventory for menstrual hygiene products
Maryland	Md. Code Regs. 12.14.04.04 – Standards – Inmate Housing and Sanitation	Administrative Code	Prisons	The managing official shall have a written policy and procedure…Governing facility housekeeping, which includes provisions for…A secure paper or plastic receptacle for daily disposal of soiled menstrual hygiene products; and (e) Weekly removal of paper or plastic receptacles containing soiled menstrual hygiene products; (4) Governing the availability and distribution of personal hygiene articles, which includes provisions for…The issue of no-cost menstrual hygiene products to a female inmate at the time of admission to a facility, on a routine basis, and upon request…A record of inventory for menstrual hygiene products
Maryland	Md. Code Regs. 12.14.05.04 – Standards – Inmate Housing and Sanitation	Administrative Code	Adult Community Correctional Facilities	The managing official shall have a written policy and procedure…Governing facility housekeeping, which includes provisions for…A secure paper or plastic receptacle for daily disposal of soiled menstrual hygiene products; and (e) Weekly removal of paper or plastic receptacles containing soiled menstrual hygiene products; (4) Governing the availability and distribution of personal hygiene articles, which includes provisions for…The issue of no-cost menstrual hygiene products to a female inmate at the time of admission to a facility, on a routine basis, and upon request…A record of inventory for menstrual hygiene products
Maryland	MD CoS Department Directive OPS.175.0002 – No Cost: Admission, Menstrual Hygiene, and Welfare Kits	Regulation	Prisons	The Department shall provide…Female inmates shall be provided menstrual hygiene products in the form of a “Menstrual Hygiene Kit” on the following three occasions: 1) included with their “Admission Kit” upon admission or transfer to a Department correctional facility; 2) on a routine monthly basis; and 2) upon request by the inmate…The Department shall maintain a menstrual hygiene management program that effectively: (1) Safeguards the dignity, bodily integrity, and overall programmatic, work, and visitation opportunities of incarcerated women; (2) Provides menstrual hygiene products, including tampons and sanitary napkins, in quantities appropriate to the healthcare needs of each inmate; (3) Reduces health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene; (4) Ensures secure and sanitary receptacles for the daily disposal of soiled menstrual hygiene products are available to inmates; and (5) Provides products that conform to applicable industry standards. C. When consistent with program limitations and the welfare of the inmate, medical and mental health treatment staff with explicit written documentation, may modify an inmate’s admission, menstrual hygiene, and welfare kits, as well as commissary purchases.
Massachusetts	103 CMR, § 974.08 – Personal Hygiene	Administrative Code	Jails	Each county correctional facility shall provide the means for inmates to adhere to acceptable personal hygiene practices, including: (1) Availability of articles needed for personal hygiene, including, but not limited to, soap, toothpaste or tooth powder, toothbrush, and articles for feminine hygiene;
Michigan	MI DoC POLICY DIRECTIVE 04.07.110 – STATE-ISSUED ITEMS AND CELL/ROOM FURNISHINGS	Regulation	Prisons	Females shall be offered a 30-day supply of feminine hygiene products including sanitary napkins and/or tampons at intake and each month thereafter.
Minnesota	MN Stat § 241.021	Statute	Prisons	Feminine hygiene. Feminine hygiene products, including at a minimum sanitary napkins and tampons, shall be provided at no cost to individuals housed in state correctional facilities used for the general confinement of female inmates. The commissioner of corrections shall develop a written policy to implement a process whereby a reasonable number of feminine hygiene products are available to female inmates.
Minnesota	Minn. R. agency 121, ch. 2911, INMATE WELFARE, pt. 2911.2750 – INMATE HYGIENE	Administrative Code	Jails	The facility administrator or designee shall have and implement a written policy for personal hygiene practices of all inmates to include special assistance for those inmates who are unable to care for themselves. A written policy and procedure shall require that articles needed for personal hygiene are available to all inmates, and include at a minimum, the following…materials essential to feminine hygiene
Minnesota	Minn. R. agency 121, ch. 2945, ENVIRONMENTAL-PERSONAL HEALTH AND SANITATION, pt. 2945.5440 – PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES	Administrative Code	Jails	A detainee must be permitted daily washing. Upon request detainees shall receive personal hygiene items including, at a minimum, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and, if appropriate, feminine hygiene items
Minnesota	MN DoC Shakopee Offender Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Feminine hygiene products are available for free to all offenders. You have the option to purchase name brand items through canteen.
Mississippi	MS Code § 47-5-1505	Statute	Prisons	Menstrual hygiene products” means products that women use during their menstrual cycle. This includes tampons, sanitary napkins and menstrual cups.
Mississippi	MS Code § 47-5-1515	Statute	Prisons	The Department of Corrections shall ensure that sufficient personal hygiene products are available at each facility for all incarcerated women.
Mississippi	MS DoC Inmate Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Female inmates will be issued sanitary napkins
Missouri	MO Rev Stat § 217.199	Statute	Prisons	Feminine hygiene products, available at no cost to female offenders. — 1. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) “Appropriate quantity”, an amount per day capable of satisfying the individual need of the offender if used for the feminne hygiene product’s intended purpose; (2) “Feminine hygiene products”, tampons and sanitary napkins. 2. The director shall ensure that an appropriate quantity of feminine hygiene products are available at no cost to female offenders while confined in any correctional center of the department. The director shall ensure that the feminine hygiene products conform with applicable industry standards. 3. The general assembly may appropriate funds to assist the director in satisfying the requirements of this section.
Missouri	MO Rev Stat § 221.065	Statute	Jails	Feminine hygiene products, available at no cost to female persons in custody. — 1. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) “Appropriate quantity”, an amount of feminine hygiene products per day capable of satisfying the individual need of the offender if used for the feminine hygiene product’s intended purpose; (2) “Feminine hygiene products”, tampons and sanitary napkins. 2. Every sheriff and jailer who holds a person in custody pursuant to a writ or process or for a criminal offense shall ensure that an appropriate quantity of feminine hygiene products are available at no cost to female persons while in custody. The sheriff or jailer shall ensure that the feminine hygiene products conform with applicable industry standards. 3. The general assembly shall appropriate funds to assist sheriffs and jailers in satisfying the requirements of this section.
Missouri	MO DoC Chillicothe Correctional Center General Population Receiving and Orientation Information	Handbook	Prisons	State toilet paper, soap and sanitary pads are provided.
Missouri	MO DoC Chillicothe Correctional Center Treatment Housing Receiving and Orientation Information	Handbook	Prisons	State toilet paper, soap and sanitary pads are provided.
Montana
Nebraska	NE Code § 47-1008	Statute	Jails and Prisons	Detention facility; supply feminine hygiene product. (1) For purposes of this section: (a) Detention facility means any: (i) Facility operated by the Department of Correctional Services; (ii) City or county jail; (iii) Juvenile detention facility or staff secure juvenile facility as such terms are defined in section 83-4,125; or (iv) Any other entity or institution operated by the state, a political subdivision, or a combination of political subdivisions for the careful keeping or rehabilitative needs of prisoners or detainees; and (b) Prisoner means any adult or juvenile incarcerated or detained in any detention facility and includes, but is not limited to, any adult or juvenile who is accused of, convicted of, sentenced for, or adjudicated for violations of criminal law or the terms and conditions of parole, probation, pretrial release, post-release supervision, or a diversionary program. (2) If any female prisoner in a detention facility needs a feminine hygiene product, the detention facility shall supply such product to the prisoner free of charge.
Nebraska	81 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 10, § 003 – Sanitation and Hygiene	Administrative Code	Jails	Inmates who are to be confined overnight shall be provided with, except when security requires deprivation of, the following…Appropriate personal hygiene items for male and female inmates.
Nebraska	77 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 9, § 003 – Sanitation and Hygiene	Administrative Code	Community Residential Facilities	Inmates maintain acceptable personal hygiene practices. Articles necessary for maintaining proper personal hygiene are provided or are readily available to inmates. Articles include the following…Appropriate personal hygiene items for female inmates
Nebraska	NE DoC Policy 111.01 – Sanitation & Hygiene	Regulation	Prisons	Articles necessary for maintaining proper hygiene shall be made available to all incarcerated individuals and provided to those who are indigent. These articles include the following…Special hygiene items for female incarcerated individuals. Sanitary napkins, panty liners, and at least two sizes of tampons will be available in the restrooms of all women’s housing units. These items are provided at no cost to the incarcerated population.
Nevada	NV Rev Stat § 209.3817	Statute	Prisons	1. The Department shall ensure that each woman who is assigned to an institution or facility completes a form at the time of intake to assess the needs of the woman while in the custody of the Department. The form must include, without limitation, questions relating to: (a) How recently the woman has received preventative gynecological care and, if applicable, obstetrical care; and (b) The needs of the woman for feminine hygiene products for the purpose of providing the woman with a suitable supply of feminine hygiene products…The Department shall provide a woman who is in the custody of the Department with a sufficient supply of feminine hygiene products at no cost. The Department shall provide the woman with a preferred type of feminine hygiene products upon request. A woman may at any time inform the Department of a need to adjust the supply of feminine hygiene products necessary to constitute a sufficient supply for the needs of the woman…As used in this section: (a) “Feminine hygiene product” means a sanitary napkin, tampon or other similar item used during a menstrual cycle.
Nevada	NV DoC Administrative Regulation 705 – Inmate Grooming and Personal Hygiene	Regulation	Prisons	Special hygiene needs of female inmates should be issued on an as needed basis
New Hampshire	NH Rev Stat § 30-B:27	Statute	Jails	Provision of Menstrual Hygiene Products. – The superintendent of each county correctional facility shall provide sufficient menstrual hygiene products to individuals who are in the custody of the county who biologically menstruate, at no cost to such persons. Sufficiency shall be considered, at minimum, a combination of 20 standard issue menstrual hygiene products per individual’s menstrual cycle. An individual may request additional menstrual hygiene products based exclusively on their cycle at no cost at the discretion of the superintendent. The number of menstrual hygiene products kept in a cell shall not be excessive so as not to create safety or security issues and shall only be used for the intended purpose. As used in this section, “menstrual hygiene products” means tampons, menstrual pads, sanitary napkins, and pantiliners.
New Hampshire	NH Rev Stat § 622:37-a	Statute	Prisons	Provision of Menstrual Hygiene Products. – The warden or director of each state correctional facility and any facility listed in RSA 169-B:14, I(c) or (e) shall provide sufficient menstrual hygiene products to individuals who are in the custody of the state who biologically menstruate, at no cost to such persons. Sufficiency shall be considered, at minimum, a combination of 20 standard issue menstrual hygiene products per individual’s menstrual cycle. An individual may request additional menstrual hygiene products based exclusively on their cycle at no cost at the discretion of the commissioner, or designee. The number of menstrual hygiene products kept in a cell shall not be excessive so as not to create safety or security issues and shall only be used for the intended purpose. As used in this section, “menstrual hygiene products” means tampons, menstrual pads, sanitary napkins, and pantiliners.
New Jersey	NJ Rev Stat § 30:1B-6.8	Statute	Prisons	The Commissioner of Corrections shall…require standard feminine hygiene products, including but not limited to, tampons and sanitary pads, be provided at the request of and free of charge to female inmates, and petroleum jelly, aspirin, ibuprofen, and any other item deemed appropriate by the commissioner, to be made available to inmates from the commissary or medical department
New Jersey	NJ Rev Stat § 30:1B-6.6	Statute	Prisons	The Legislature finds and declares…Many incarcerated primary caretaker parents also are faced with difficult and competing choices, like whether to use their limited funds to communicate with their children or in the case of female inmates, to purchase hygiene products in the commissary.
New Jersey	NJ Rev Stat § 30:1B-6.9	Statute	Jails	The chief executive officer or warden of each county correctional facility shall…require standard feminine hygiene products, including but not limited to tampons and sanitary pads, be provided at the request of and free of charge to female inmates, and petroleum jelly, aspirin, ibuprofen, and any other item deemed appropriate by the chief executive officer or warden, to be provided at the request of and free of charge to inmates
New Jersey	N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:14-2.1 – Sanitary/hygiene/grooming kit	Administrative Code	Prisons	A sanitary/hygiene/grooming kit which includes a minimum of the following items shall be provided at no cost to all inmates upon initial admission to the State prison system…Feminine hygiene supplies for women.
New Jersey	N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:31-12.7 – Personal hygiene products	Administrative Code	Jails	As part of the admission process, each inmate shall be provided with the following articles necessary for maintaining proper personal hygiene…Feminine hygiene products including, but not limited to, tampons and sanitary pads at the request of and free of charge to female inmates, petroleum jelly, aspirin, ibuprofen, and any other item deemed appropriate by the chief executive officer, warden, or deputy, shall be provided on a going forward basis free of charge at the request of, and to inmates, in accordance with the Dignity for Incarcerated Primary Caretakers Parents Act, N.J.S.A. 30:1B-6.9
New Mexico	NM CoD CD-150200 Inmate Property and Laundry	Regulation	Prisons	State Issued Hygiene…Sanitary Napkins, female inmates…(as needed, from previous version)
New Mexico	Springer Correctional Center Inmate Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Only indigent inmates are eligible to receive certain personal items from the Canteen, free of charge….The hygiene kit will be composed of the following items and will only be issued one (1) time….1- Sanitary Napkins
New York	NY Corr L § 625	Statute	Jails and Prisons	Menstrual products. Menstrual products, including, but not limited to, pads, tampons and panty liners, shall be provided at no cost to individuals housed in state and local correctional facilities used for the general confinement of incarcerated individuals and in any other state or local facility where individuals are detained or confined by law enforcement agencies.
New York	N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 7 § 302.2 – Issue items (initial)	Administrative Code	Prisons	Female inmates shall be provided with basic feminine hygiene items as required.
New York	N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 7 § 1704.5 – Personal hygiene items	Administrative Code	Prisons	The following shall be provided or, where specified below, made available to each inmate at time of reception…sanitary napkins for female inmates…The items listed in subdivision (a) of this section will be replenished on an as-needed basis, the frequency to be determined by a reasonable period of time for consumption of the item and subject to review by the issuing officer…In those facilities where inmates are housed in “multiple occupancy housing units” and toilet paper is maintained in a communal toilet room, the issuing officer will ensure that adequate replenishment is made for the room rather than to the individual inmates.
New York	N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 7005.6 – Personal health care items	Administrative Code	Jails	In addition to the items listed in subdivision (a) of this section, all female prisoners shall be provided at facility expense with necessary feminine hygiene items, including but not limited to: (1) tampons; and (2) sanitary napkins. (c) All feminine hygiene items shall be stored and dispensed in a manner sufficient to ensure that they are sanitary. (d) Bath towels shall be exchanged weekly, or more frequently when necessary. All other personal health care items issued pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section shall be replenished or replaced as needed.
New York	N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 7506.1 – Sanitation and maintenance	Administrative Code	Jails	In addition to the items listed in subdivision (f), tampons and sanitary napkins shall be made available to all female prisoners at facility expense. Facilities shall maintain a sufficient supply of tampons and sanitary napkins, which shall be stored, dispensed and disposed of in a sanitary manner.
New York	N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 7612.5 – Personal health care items	Administrative Code	Prisons	In addition to subdivision (a) of this section, all female prisoners shall be provided at facility expense with necessary feminine hygiene items in order to provide for the special hygiene needs of females. All feminine hygiene items shall be stored and dispensed in a manner sufficient to ensure that they are sanitary. (c) All personal health care items issued pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section shall be replenished or replaced as needed.
New York	Albion Correctional Facility Orientation Manual	Handbook	Prisons	On the fourth Saturday of each month, the following supplies are issued….2 twelve packs of sanitary napkins… Inmates who require more than the standard issue of sanitary napkins will need authorization from medical.
New York	Bedford Hills Correctional Facility Inmate Orientation Manual	Handbook	Prisons	Toilet paper, sanitary napkins, soap, and toothpaste are delivered to each unit once a month and are distributed to each offender. You are responsible for monitoring these supplies so they last the full month.
North Carolina	NC Gen Stat § 148-25.1	Statute	Prisons	Menstrual products. – Products that women use during their menstrual cycle. These include tampons and sanitary napkins.
North Carolina	NC Gen Stat § 148-25.4	Statute	Prisons	Access to Menstrual Products. – The Department of Public Safety and the administrator of the correctional facility shall ensure that sufficient menstrual products are available at the correctional facility for all female incarcerated persons who have an active menstrual cycle. Female incarcerated persons who menstruate shall be provided menstrual products as needed at no cost to the female incarcerated person. (2021-143, s. 2(a).)
North Carolina	NC Gen Stat § 153A-229.1	Statute	Jails	Menstrual products. – Products that women use during their menstrual cycle. These include tampons and sanitary napkins.
North Carolina	NC Gen Stat § 153A-229.4	Statute	Jails	Access to Menstrual Products. – The sheriff or the administrator of the local confinement facility shall ensure that sufficient menstrual products are available at the local confinement facility for all female incarcerated persons who have an active menstrual cycle. Female incarcerated persons who menstruate shall be provided menstrual products as needed at no cost to the female incarcerated person. (2021-143, s. 3(a).)
North Carolina	10A N.C. Admin. Code 14J .0705 – PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS	Administrative Code	Jails	Every inmate detained over 24 hours shall be issued without charge the following items…feminine hygiene products, if appropriate…After an inmate has exhausted his or her initial supply of personal hygiene items listed in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, each jail shall make these items available either for inmate purchase or without charge, as determined by the jail.
North Dakota	ND Correctional Facility Standards	Regulation	Prisons	Correctional facilities shall provide each inmate with access to toilet paper and feminine hygiene products (if applicable) upon admission to the facility.
Ohio	Ohio Admin. Code 5120:1-8-02 – Classification	Administrative Code	Jails	Inmates, when placed in general population, will be…Provided with articles to maintain personal hygiene (toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene items and soap).
Ohio	Ohio Admin. Code 5120:1-10-02 – Classification	Administrative Code	Twelve Day Facilities	(Important) Inmates, when placed in general population, shall be…Provided with articles to maintain personal hygiene (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and feminine hygiene items as needed.)
Ohio	Ohio Admin. Code 5120-9-09 – Limited privilege housing assignments	Administrative Code	Prisons	Inmates placed in a limited privilege housing assignment shall receive, at a minimum, the following privileges: (1) Personal hygiene articles including, at a minimum, one ADA (American dental association) approved toothbrush, ADA approved toothpaste, ADA approved dental floss, feminine hygiene products for female inmates and soap, unless there is imminent danger that the inmate or any other inmate will destroy an item or induce self-injury. Personally owned deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, floss, and hairbrush/comb shall be permitted.
Ohio	Ohio Admin. Code 5120-9-10 – Restrictive housing assignments	Administrative Code	Prisons	Inmates placed in restrictive housing placements shall receive the following cell privileges…Personal hygiene articles, including, at minimum, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products for female inmates and soap
Ohio	OH DoC 61-PRP-02 – Incarcerated Person Clothing Issue	Regulation	Prisons	Reception Center Issue for Females…All female IPs in reception shall be provided, at no charge, as many sanitary napkins/tampons they require. These items shall be readily available to women 24/7 and shall be kept in an area that is accessible without having to ask staff for access. Those in a celled environment who may be secured in their cells for longer periods of time shall have access to a supply of sanitary napkins/tampons during out of cell time without having to ask staff for access. They shall be allowed to take as many of the items as they require back to their cell. If the IP does not wish to leave their cell or runs out of sanitary napkins/tampons, additional sanitary napkins/tampons shall be provided at any time a female IP requests. Each female facility shall also include information on their specific procedures for feminine hygiene products in their facility orientation handbook and orientation materials provided to the incarcerated population…(2 boxes) Sanitary Napkins and/or Tampons…Parent Institution Issue for Females…Northeast Reintegration Center (NERC)…All female IPs at any facility shall be provided, at no charge, as many sanitary napkins/tampons they require. These items shall be readily available to female IPs 24/7 and shall be kept in an area that is accessible without having to ask staff for access. Those in a celled environment who may be secured in their cells for longer periods of time shall have access to a supply of sanitary napkins/tampons during out of cell time without having to ask staff for access. They shall be allowed to take as many of the items as they require back to their cell. If the IP does not wish to leave their cell or runs out of sanitary napkins/tampons, additional sanitary napkins/tampons shall be provided at any time a female IP request. Each female facility shall also include information on their specific procedures for feminine hygiene products in their facility orientation handbook and orientation materials provided to the incarcerated population…(2 boxes) Sanitary Napkins and/or Tampons
Ohio	Ohio Reformatory for Women Inmate Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	You will receive…hygiene kit…in reception the day you are admitted to the institution….the hygiene kit contains…sanitary napkins.
Oklahoma	Okla. Admin. Code § 310:670-5-6 – Safety, sanitary and hygiene standards	Administrative Code	Jails	Upon admission or after commitment by the court, each inmate shall be issued personal hygiene items to include soap, towel, toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste. Feminine hygiene articles shall be provided upon request. Razors are issued to each inmate consistent with facility policy, and collected immediately after use and disposed of or stored as specified by facility policy and procedures. Inmates shall not share razors. With the exception of toilet paper and feminine hygiene items, inmates who are not indigent and have funds in their inmate account may be required to purchase hygiene items from the detention facility.
Oklahoma	OK DoC OP-030501 – Personal Hygiene and Appearance	Regulation	Prisons	At a minimum, items available through the canteen or to indigent inmates will be…Sanitary napkins/tampons (females)
Oregon	OR Rev Stat § 169.635	Statute	Regional Correctional Facilities	Regional correctional facilities shall make available tampons, sanitary pads, postpartum pads and panty liners at no cost to all prisoners for use in connection with vaginal discharge. Facilities shall maintain a sufficient supply, which shall be stored, dispensed and disposed of in a sanitary manner. The supply of products available shall include at least the following: (1) Regular absorbent and super absorbent tampons; (2) Regular absorbent and super absorbent sanitary pads; (3) Postpartum pads; and (4) Regular absorbent panty liners. [2019 c.489 §4]
Oregon	OR Rev Stat § 169.076	Statute	Local Correctional Facilities	Each local correctional facility shall…In addition to the items listed in subsection (8) of this section, make available tampons, sanitary pads, postpartum pads and panty liners at no cost to all confined detainees and prisoners for use in connection with vaginal discharge. Facilities shall maintain a sufficient supply, which shall be stored, dispensed and disposed of in a sanitary manner. The supply of products available shall include at least the following: (a) Regular absorbent and super absorbent tampons; (b) Regular absorbent and super absorbent sanitary pads; (c) Postpartum pads; and (d) Regular absorbent panty liners.
Oregon	OR Rev Stat § 169.077	Statute	Lockup Facilities	Each lockup facility shall…In addition to the items listed in subsection (9) of this section, make available tampons, sanitary pads, postpartum pads and panty liners at no cost to all confined detainees and prisoners for use in connection with vaginal discharge. Facilities shall maintain a sufficient supply, which shall be stored, dispensed and disposed of in a sanitary manner. The supply of products available shall include at least the following: (a) Regular absorbent and super absorbent tampons; (b) Regular absorbent and super absorbent sanitary pads; (c) Postpartum pads; and (d) Regular absorbent panty liners.
Pennsylvania	42 PA Cons Stat § 6381	Statute	Juvenile Facilities	“Menstrual hygiene products.” As follows: (1) Products relating to bodily functions that are used during menstruation. (2) The term includes tampons and sanitary pads.
Pennsylvania	61 PA Cons Stat § 5910	Statute	Prisons	(a) Issuance of feminine hygiene products relating to menstruation.–A supply of feminine hygiene products shall be provided to all incarcerated individuals and detainees who are menstruating in a correctional institution each month at no cost to the incarcerated individuals and detainees, regardless of financial means. Incarcerated individuals and detainees shall not be required to show proof of need or to undergo a medical examination or obtain a medical permit, authorization or diagnosis to receive the products under subsection (b). (b) Feminine hygiene products provided.–A choice of at least two sizes or absorbencies of sanitary pads shall be distributed to all incarcerated individuals and detainees who are menstruating in a correctional institution or if requested from medical staff. (c) Feminine hygiene products to be requested.–A choice of at least two sizes of tampons shall be distributed to incarcerated individuals and detainees who request a tampon from medical staff… (f) Rules and regulations.–The correctional institution shall promulgate rules necessary to implement and enforce the provisions of this section. (g) Definition.–As used in this section, the term “feminine hygiene products” means products that women use during menstruation. The term includes tampons and sanitary napkins.
Pennsylvania	37 Pa. Code § 95.231 – Personal hygiene	Administrative Code	Jails	The following are the minimum requirements applicable to personal hygiene…Female inmates shall be provided articles for feminine hygiene when needed.
Pennsylvania	PA DoC Policy DC-ADM 815 – Personal Property, State Issued Items, and Commissary/Outside Purchases	Regulation	Prisons	During the reception process, the following basic issue items will be furnished…Females/Trans Women Only…Feminine Hygiene products (Sanitary Napkins and Tampons)
Rhode Island	RI DoC Policy 18.47-3 DOC – Personal Hygiene	Regulation	Prisons	Inmates who are initially committed or indigent (unable to afford personal hygiene items) will be provided the following personal hygiene items…Sanitary napkins and tampons are provided for all female inmates (Women’s Facilities)
South Carolina	SC Code § 24-13-35	Statute	Jails and Prisons	Correctional facilities, local detention facilities, and prison or work camps must ensure that sufficient menstrual hygiene products are available at each facility for all women under their care who have an active menstrual cycle. Indigent inmates must be provided the hygiene products at no cost.
South Dakota	SD DoC 500-02 – Offender Personal Property	Regulation	Prisons	Commissary Items…Panty Liner/Pad (20Ct)…Allowed Quantity…Facility Custody Level II -1, Facility Custody Level III – 1, Facility Custody Level IV & V – 1
Tennessee	TN Code § 41-21-206	Statute	Prisons	Healthcare products” includes: (A) Feminine hygiene products…A custodian shall make healthcare products available to all women incarcerated in a state correctional facility at no cost and in a quantity that is appropriate to the needs of the woman without a medical permit. Custodians shall not require that a woman be diagnosed with an illness to access healthcare products. Custodians shall make healthcare products available in housing units and in the medical area of a state correctional facility.
Texas	TX Govt Code § 501.0675	Statute	Prisons	PROVISION OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS. (a) In this section, “feminine hygiene product” means: (1) a regular or large size tampon with applicator; (2) a regular or large size sanitary napkin or menstrual pad with wings; (3) a regular size panty liner; or (4) any other similar item sold for the principal purpose of feminine hygiene in connection with the menstrual cycle. (b) On request of a female inmate, the department shall provide free of charge to the inmate up to 10 feminine hygiene products per day that comply with applicable federal standards for comfort, effectiveness, and safety.
Texas	TX Govt Code § 501.0515	Statute	Prisons	The department shall establish procedures to be used during the regularly scheduled transportation of female inmates for nonemergency medical care to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston or another medical facility that provides medical services for inmates. The procedures must ensure that…buses used to transport female inmates are equipped with bathrooms and have an adequate supply of toilet paper and feminine hygiene products as defined by Section 501.0675 for the inmates being transported
Texas	TX Govt Code § 511.009	Statute	Jails	The commission shall…adopt reasonable rules and procedures establishing minimum standards for the quantity and quality of feminine hygiene products, including tampons in regular and large sizes and menstrual pads with wings in regular and large sizes, provided to a female prisoner.
Texas	37 Tex. Admin. Code § 277.11 – Feminine Hygiene Products	Administrative Code	Jails	Jails shall provide quality feminine hygiene products to female inmates, to include tampons in regular and large sizes and menstrual pads with wings in regular and large sizes. These products shall be available at all times and upon request. Inmates who utilize these products in a manner other than their intended purpose may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the facility’s approved Discipline Plan.
Utah	UT DoC Procedure FD15 – Indigent Status	Regulation	Prisons	Subject to security restrictions, inmates approved for indigent status may receive…feminine hygiene items (female inmates only).
Vermont	Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility Inmate Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Inmate Allowable Property Matrix…Sanitary Napkins/Tampons… One month’s supply… Commissary purchase except indigent inmates. Females only.
Virginia	CHAPTER 815 – An Act to require the provision of feminine hygiene products at no cost to female prisoners or inmates.	Uncodified Act (common law)	Prisons	Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: 1. § 1. The State Board of Corrections shall adopt and implement a standard to ensure the provision of feminine hygiene products to female inmates without charge. § 2. The Director of the Department of Corrections shall adopt and implement a policy and procedure to ensure the provision of feminine hygiene products to female prisoners without charge.
Virginia	6 Va. Admin. Code § 15-40-770 – Provision of hygiene items	Administrative Code	Jails	The facility shall provide soap, a toothbrush, and toothpaste or toothpowder to each inmate upon admission to the general population. Feminine hygiene items, including sanitary napkins and tampons, shall be provided upon request to each female inmate without charge. Notwithstanding security considerations, shaving equipment, including a mirror, and haircuts shall be made available, and the hygiene needs of all inmates shall be met.
Washington	Wash. Admin. Code § 137-55-030 – Acquisition of items	Administrative Code	Prisons	(1) All offenders incarcerated within department of corrections facilities shall be responsible for the acquisition and replenishment of personal hygiene items after the initial issuance of those items at the reception center. (2) Initial issuance of personal hygiene items shall include the department’s issuance of the following items to individual offenders…State issued sanitary napkins will be made available to female offenders on an as needed basis without charge.
Washington	WA DoC Policy DOC 940.080 – HYGIENE AND GROOMING FOR INDIVIDUALS IN WOMEN’S PRISONS	Regulation	Prisons	Hygiene Items…State-issued sanitary napkins and tampons will be maintained in the living units/pods and available to individuals at any time, at no cost…The request/issuance of these items will not be monitored.
West Virginia	Lakin Correctional Center & Jail Inmate Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Upon assignment to a housing unit, each inmate will be issued or made available the following personal hygiene items: feminine hygiene
Wisconsin	Wis. Admin. Code Department of Corrections DOC 349.08 – Sanitation and hygiene	Administrative Code	Jails	Except when an inmate’s safety would be jeopardized and the inmate has been identified as having a special problem under s. DOC 349.12, the lockup administrator shall provide…Upon request, toilet articles sufficient for the maintenance of inmate cleanliness and hygiene, including toothpaste, a toothbrush, a comb, toilet paper and basic feminine hygiene materials. There shall be no common use of towels, toothbrushes, combs, shaving materials or feminine hygiene materials
Wisconsin	Wis. Admin. Code Department of Corrections DOC 350.12 – Sanitation and hygiene	Administrative Code	Jails	The jail shall have policies and procedures relating to sanitation and hygiene, including the following components…After 24 hours, inmates shall be provided with toilet articles sufficient for the maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene, including toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, and comb. Basic feminine hygiene materials for females and toilet paper shall be provided to inmates upon request. There shall be no common use of toothbrushes, combs, shaving materials, or feminine hygiene materials.
Wisconsin	WI DoC Policy 309.24.01 – Personal Hygiene and Hairdressing	Regulation	Prisons	Soap, toilet tissue, clothing and feminine hygiene items shall be made available when needed.
Wisconsin	Taycheedah Correctional Institution Inmate Handbook	Handbook	Prisons	Feminine hygiene items and bags are available in each housing unit upon request.
Wyoming

Ignoble Mentions

The jurisdictions in the table below removed references to menstrual products in rules. For each rule, there is a link to the previous and current version where possible and a note on what the specific change was.

Jurisdiction	Citation	Category	Facility Type	Previous Version Excerpt	New Version
Federal	BOP Operations Memo 001-2017	Regulation	Prisons	1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE This Operations Memorandum (OM) provides guidance on specific feminine hygiene products to be provided to female inmates under the Program Statement Grooming. This guidance applies to all facilities or units housing female inmates. 2. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES This OM ensures that female inmates have access to a range of feminine hygiene products related to menstruation. 3. RESPONSIBILITIES The Trust Fund will continue to include at least one type of tampon, maxi pad, and panty liner as part of the minimum standardized commissary list requirement. This requirement is referenced in the Program Statement Female Offender Manual. Wardens will ensure inmates are provided the following products (at no cost to the inmates): ■ Tampons, regular and super size; O.M. 001-2017 8/01/2017 2 ■ Maxi Pads with wings, regular and super size; and ■ Panty liners, regular. Institutions will purchase the products in accordance with National Acquisitions guidance, and should not significantly increase overall expenditures for female hygiene products beyond current levels.	No current version available. Unclear when this was last renewed.
Connecticut	CT DoC Administrative Directive 6.10 Inmate Property	Regulation	Prisons	27. State Issued Items…A. In addition, an indigent inmate as defined in Section 3(E) of this Directive, shall, when needed, be provided the following items: …7. sanitary napkins/tampons, as appropriate;	Update removed mention of menstrual products.
Montana	MT DoC OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE MSP 4.4.1 INMATE HYGIENE, CLOTHING & LINEN SUPPLIES	Regulation	Prisons	Each facility will…supply the following basic items to offenders upon admission…feminine hygiene items, when applicable.	Update removed mention of menstrual products.
Washington	WA Rev Code § 70.395.020	Statute	Private Prisons	(1) “Basic personal hygiene items” means items used to promote or preserve a detained person’s health and contribute to the prevention of disease or infection, including soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, nail clippers, comb, towels, and menstrual products.	Update removed mention of menstrual products.

The Big Picture (Summary)

Jurisdictions with No Rules Ensuring Access

Iowa
Montana (due to removal of reference to menstrual products)
Wyoming

Jurisdictions with One Rule Ensuring Access

Delaware
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Kansas
Massachusetts
Michigan
North Dakota
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Vermont
West Virginia

Jurisdictions with Multiple Rules Ensuring Access

Federal government
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Kentucky
Lousiana
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

The information from this table comes from the ACLU and Period Equity’s report, The Unequal Price of Periods: Menstrual Equity in the United States, a review with the Cross-Center Collaboration on the Health of Justice-Involved Women and Children (JIWC) and the brief, State Laws on Access to Menstrual Products for People who are Pregnant while Incarcerated, as well as my own tracking with LegiScan and cross-checking with state legislative sites.

Page last updated Nov 19, 2025