Last Friday, Maryland’s House of Delegates passed House Bill 380, which will allow contraceptives and contraceptive devices such as condoms to be sold in vending machines at public schools if it becomes law.

Newsweek reached out to Delegate Nicole Williams, the Democrat who sponsored the bill, by email for comment.

Why It Matters

Since taking office, President Donald Trump‘s executive orders targeting sexual identity, particularly in regard to transgender rights, have reignited debates nationwide about what should be available to students in regard to education about sexual orientation and gender identity.

Some states have followed suit with the president’s beliefs, whereas others have taken efforts to embrace gender identity and sexual education.

What to Know

House Bill 380 passed last Friday with an 89-41 to vote. It proposes repealing a law that makes it illegal to sell contraceptives and contraceptive devices in a vending machine at public schools.

“A person may not sell or offer for sale a contraceptive or a contraceptive device,
whether or not advertised as a prophylactic, by means of a vending machine or other automatic device at a kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary or secondary school,” the law currently reads. “A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.”

Bill supporters believe it will improve access to contraceptives for teens and allow them to make healthy choices. However, critics have said if it becomes law, the bill will legalize the sale of condoms at preschools.

Delegate Kathy Szeliga, a Republican, has been particularly vocal about the bill, deeming it the “Condoms for Kiddies” bill. Szeliga also recently proposed a bill that would prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls sports, but the bill didn’t make it out of the Ways and Means Committee.

What People Are Saying

Social Work Advocates for Social Change said in support of House Bill 380: “This legislation promotes student health and well-being by enabling accessibility, reducing financial barriers, and protecting privacy and autonomy.”

The testimony added: “Promoting access to contraceptives is crucial in enabling students to make healthy decisions about their reproductive health.”

Szeliga said after the bill passed the House: “MD lawmakers have officially lost their minds. Condom vending machines in SCHOOLS—from preschools to high schools? Yes, you read that right. Thanks to HB 380, the ‘Condoms for Kiddies’ bill, your child’s school could soon be a one-stop shop for birth control. What’s next, hormone therapy at recess? This is what happens when the people in charge put ideology over common sense.”

What Happens Next

Since it passed the House, the bill will now appear before the Senate. Democrats control the Maryland House and the Maryland Senate.

In addition to House Bill 380, the Maryland House also recently passed House Bill 161, which proposes age-appropriate curriculum for topics such as human sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation.