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Bill

S 4035

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 Gordon Johnson and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill requires state and county jails to provide female inmates varied absorbency feminine hygiene products to address health and dignity needs.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
#corrections #women
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Bill Summary · S 4035

Legislative bill overview

S 4035 mandates that New Jersey state and county correctional facilities provide female inmates with a range of feminine hygiene products at varying absorbency levels. The bill addresses what sponsors view as a basic health and dignity need currently not consistently available in facilities.

Why is this important

Female inmates often lack adequate access to menstrual products, which can create health complications, sanitation issues, and documented mental health impacts. Several states have already passed similar legislation, reflecting a growing recognition that product availability is a fundamental aspect of humane incarceration conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Correctional facilities may argue about implementation expenses and whether this represents an unfunded mandate on county budgets during resource constraints
  • Definition and scope: Ambiguity about what "varying absorbency levels" specifically entails and whether costs for premium or specialty products fall under the requirement
  • Equity arguments: Some may question whether providing these products represents special treatment compared to other basic health needs in facilities, or conversely, whether the requirement goes far enough in addressing broader healthcare access issues

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

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