Sometimes, common sense prevails—and today, Marylanders have a reason to celebrate. The Maryland Senate has officially put the brakes on House Bill 380, the so-called “Condoms for Kiddies” bill, stopping a ridiculous proposal dead in its tracks.
As a parent, taxpayer, and proud resident of the Garden State’s neighbor, I want to take a moment to thank our leaders in Annapolis for stepping up, listening to reason, and protecting our kids from this absurd overreach.
For those who missed the drama, HB 380 aimed to repeal a decades-old ban on selling condoms and contraceptives through vending machines in public schools—yes, all public schools, from high schools down to preschools. That’s right: the bill could’ve paved the way for brightly colored condom dispensers popping up next to the juice boxes and Goldfish crackers in kindergarten hallways. Proponents claimed it was about “removing outdated penalties” and “increasing access,” but let’s call it what it was: a poorly thought-out idea that prioritized ideology over practicality and parental rights.
Thankfully, the adults in the room took charge.
The Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee, with bipartisan support, voted to kill this bill before it could wreak havoc on our schools and communities. Special kudos go to Senators Folden, McKay, and West from the Maryland Senate GOP, who led the charge to squash this nonsense. Their leadership, alongside a rare moment of bipartisan consensus, ensured that HB 380 won’t see the light of day—at least not this session.
Why was this such a big deal? Picture this: a seven-year-old walking past a vending machine stocked with Trojans instead of Twix. What kind of message does that send?
What kind of conversation does that force on parents who just want their kids to learn math and reading, not navigate a premature crash course in “safe sex”? Opponents like Delegate Kathy Szeliga nailed it when she warned that Maryland lawmakers had “lost their minds” with this one. Her vocal pushback, echoed by parents and advocates across the state, helped shine a spotlight on how out-of-touch this bill really was.
And let’s not forget the practical side. Maryland’s schools are already stretched thin—crumbling infrastructure, teacher shortages, and budget woes are the real crises we should be tackling. Do we honestly think local districts would’ve had the time, money, or stomach to install and maintain condom vending machines? The idea was laughable at best, creepy at worst. Instead of wasting resources on this, our leaders can now focus on what actually matters: educating our kids and keeping them safe—not turning recess into a contraception free-for-all.
To the Maryland Senate, thank you for hearing us. Thank you for recognizing that this bill crossed a line no one asked it to cross. And to the parents, grandparents, and everyday folks who raised their voices—whether in town halls, on X, or just around the dinner table—your outrage made a difference. Posts on X called it “ridiculous” and “creepy,” and you were right. This victory belongs to all of us who refused to let ideology trump common sense.
Mary B., A mom from Towson