Bill > SB111

This bill requires correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers in West Virginia to provide free feminine hygiene products to female inmates and juveniles. Specifically, the bill defines feminine hygiene products as tampons and sanitary napkins, and clarifies that menstruation is the monthly physiological process of blood and tissue discharge from the uterus that occurs between a female's first period (menarche) and last period (menopause). The legislation mandates that these products must be provided at no cost to female inmates and juveniles as soon as possible upon beginning menstruation, and no later than eight hours after a request is made, until the menstrual cycle ends. To implement this requirement, the bill directs the director of juvenile services to enter into necessary agreements with the Department of Health, with the Division of Juvenile Services responsible for covering direct and indirect costs associated with providing these products. The bill aims to ensure that female inmates and detained juveniles have access to essential feminine hygiene products without financial burden, recognizing these products as medically necessary for maintaining personal hygiene and health during menstruation.