Rep. Humphrey Announces HB 30 Unanimously Passes the Ohio House

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) Wednesday announced that the Ohio House passed House Bill (HB) 30 by a 92-0 vote. The bill mandates that correctional facilities housing female inmates provide menstrual hygiene products at no cost.

"The lack of access to menstrual supplies can lead to serious health issues," said Rep. Humphrey. "All women deserve to have these resources available to them. It is not just a matter of hygiene; it is a matter of human rights."

HB 30 requires all Ohio county and municipal correctional facilities, as well as state correctional institutions, to provide menstrual products to inmates experiencing a menstrual cycle. This aligns with the department's current policy, ensuring that all female inmates have consistent access to necessary hygiene products.

When Rep. Humphrey first learned about this issue, she began discussions with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC). These talks led to the ODRC passing a variance in November 2022, which essentially provided all women with unlimited access to menstrual products. However, Rep. Humphrey is pushing to enshrine this policy into Ohio law to ensure it is upheld regardless of future leadership changes within the department.

The importance of this legislation is underscored by the fact that nearly 4K women are incarcerated in Ohio's correctional facilities. Research indicates that inadequate access to menstrual products can lead to infections and other serious health issues, further burdening the healthcare system within prisons.

This legislation has no direct fiscal impact on the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction as it only codifies the department's existing policy, reinforcing the commitment to uphold the health and dignity of female inmates.

By passing HB 30, Ohio joins a growing number of states prioritizing the health and human rights of incarcerated women.

The bill awaits further consideration on the floor of the Senate.

You can keep up with the progression of HB 30 as it transitions through the legislature using the Ohio Legislature site.