This is an important regulation that gives dignity to all those who are incarcerated and menstruate. This is a normal bodily function and should be treated in the same way we provide toilet paper in all places where there are toilets. The fact that the basic needs of menstruating inmates has been subject to arbitrary decision making on the part of corrections facilities and the employees of those facilities is quite frankly archaic. Just because someone is incarcerated doesn't justify arbitrarily denying them basic necessitites. 

Tampons better meet the needs of many menstruating inmates and up to this point those were only available by purchase. Here in the 21st century, providing tampons free of charge in addition to pads is not something that should even be up for discussion.

I hope that this regulation passes without delay and it's implementation is a priority. The DOC and the Office of Public Safety need to communicate this policy clearly, promote its adoption immedaitely, and put in place a plan to make certain it is being implemented effectively.