Maryland Bill Advances to Allow Condom Sales in School Vending Machines

Legislation to repeal penalties for vending machine contraceptive sales in schools moves to the state Senate, sparking debate over age-appropriate access.

Maryland's House of Delegates passed House Bill 380, which removes criminal penalties for selling contraceptives, including condoms, in school vending machines.
The bill does not mandate schools to install such vending machines but gives local school systems the authority to do so if desired.
Critics, including Republican Delegate Kathy Szeliga, argue the bill could lead to inappropriate access in elementary and preschool settings, calling it a threat to traditional family values.
Supporters, such as Democratic Delegate Nicole Williams, emphasize the bill's intent to modernize outdated laws and improve contraceptive access for teens without imposing mandates.
The legislation now heads to the Maryland Senate for consideration, where Democrats hold a majority, continuing a broader national debate over sexual education policies in schools.