ANNAPOLIS, MD — A Maryland Senate committee has rejected a bill that would have permitted the sale of condoms and other contraceptives through vending machines in public schools, drawing strong reactions from lawmakers.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee voted down House Bill 380, which would have allowed condom sales in nursery schools, elementary schools, and secondary schools. The bill had previously passed the House but faced strong opposition in the Senate.
Maryland Senate Republicans celebrated the bill’s defeat, referring to it as the “Condoms for Kiddies” bill. “Thank you to our members for leading the charge and voting YEA to kill the bill!” the Maryland Senate GOP posted on social media.
“The adults took action and killed this ridiculous (and creepy) bill. Thanks to @MDSenateGOP JPR members Folden, McKay & West for your leadership…and sounds like there was, fortunately, bipartisan consensus in the committee. Condom for kids bill is dead,” said Senator Justin Ready.
Republican Delegate Kathy Szeliga, who represents Baltimore County’s District 7A, sharply criticized the proposal. “MD lawmakers have officially lost their minds,” Szeliga wrote after the House approved the bill. “Condom vending machines in SCHOOLS—from preschools to high schools? Yes, you read that right.” She urged parents to take notice, warning, “What’s next, hormone therapy at recess?”
Supporters of the bill had argued it was aimed at reducing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections by increasing access to contraception. However, opponents said placing condom vending machines in schools—especially at younger grade levels—went too far.
With the Senate committee’s decision, the bill will not advance further in this legislative session.