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Bill

A 5172

Requires State and county correctional facilities to make feminine hygiene products of varying absorbency levels available to female inmates.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alixon Collazos-Gill and 7 co-sponsors

New Jersey would require state and county prisons to provide female inmates free menstrual hygiene products in multiple absorbency levels, ensuring basic health access and dignity.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee
#corrections #women
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Bill Summary · A 5172

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 5172 mandates that state and county correctional facilities in New Jersey provide female inmates with access to feminine hygiene products in multiple absorbency levels at no cost. The bill ensures these products are readily available rather than requiring inmates to purchase them or request them through commissary systems.

Why is this important

Lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene products has been documented as a significant issue in correctional facilities, forcing inmates to choose between purchasing essentials or food, or using inadequate substitutes that create health and sanitation concerns. This policy directly addresses a basic health and dignity need for approximately 2,000+ female inmates in New Jersey facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Facilities would bear the expense of providing products in varying absorbency levels, which opponents may argue increases operational budgets during fiscally constrained periods
  • Implementation scope: Questions about whether products must be provided at no cost to inmates vs. subsidized pricing, and whether the requirement applies equally to all facility security levels
  • Product specifications: "Varying absorbency levels" lacks detailed definition—disputes could arise over which products qualify and how many options must be stocked

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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