The Ohio House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 29, mandating that all correctional facilities in the state provide free feminine hygiene products to inmates. This bipartisan legislation, approved with a 91-0 vote, aims to ensure that incarcerated individuals have access to essential menstrual products, promoting dignity and health within the prison system.

While the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction already supplies these products in state-run prisons, the bill's impact will be more significant at the county level, where practices vary. Facilities that do not currently offer free menstrual products will need to adjust their policies, with costs depending on inmate populations and product expenses.

Representative Desiree Tims, a Democrat from Dayton, emphasized the importance of the bill, stating it ensures dignity for menstruating women in incarceration.

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration. Senate President Rob McColley has indicated that the caucus has not yet discussed the bill, while Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio supports it, comparing access to menstrual products to the necessity of toilet paper.

This legislative effort reflects a growing recognition of the need for humane treatment and basic health provisions for all individuals, regardless of their incarceration status.