MADISON – Today, Legislation aimed at improving health and dignity in Wisconsin’s correctional facilities received a public hearing. Assembly Bill 741 and Assembly Bill 736, authored by Rep. Darrin Madison, Rep. Shelia Stubbs, and Rep. Robyn Vining, with Senator LaTonya Johnson serving as the Senate lead on both bills, address long-standing gaps in access to basic hygiene and menstrual products in state prisons and county jails.
At the conclusion of today’s hearing, Senator Johnson released the following statement:
“Right now, access to basic hygiene in our correctional system depends on where someone is held and whether they can afford facility-sold personal care items on wages that amount to pennies an hour. When people cannot afford soap, deodorant, or menstrual products, they are forced to ration, go without, or rely on unsafe alternatives. That creates avoidable health risks and undermines safety for everyone inside these facilities.”
“This legislation is about setting a clear and statewide standard. Providing access to basic hygiene and menstrual products reduces preventable infections, improves living conditions, and supports safer, more stable facilities for staff and incarcerated people alike. These are practical, evidence-based solutions that treat people with dignity while strengthening public health.”
Following today’s hearing, the bills remain before the Assembly committee for further consideration. Companion legislation in the Senate is awaiting a public hearing in the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.
