MT SB485

State and local correctional facilities must provide hygiene products (soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, feminine hygiene products) and stationery items (envelopes, writing paper, postage stamps) at no cost to incarcerated individuals upon admission and request.

Detention centers must develop policies specifying how products will be accessible to individuals unable to access general population areas and ensure products are readily available in appropriate quantities.

Facilities must communicate product availability to confined persons through admission information, facility handbooks, and posted notices in common areas and medical units.

The Department of Corrections must develop policies for state-operated facilities and ensure contracted correctional facilities comply with the same requirements.

The bill expressly supersedes Montana's unfunded mandate laws (MCA 1-2-112 through 1-2-116), meaning local governments must comply without guaranteed state funding.