Students and advocates back bill to provide free condoms at schools and campuses

House Bill 517, requiring public secondary schools and postsecondary institutions to provide free condoms to students at locations deemed safe and readily accessible, was advanced with a do‑pass recommendation by the committee.

The bill was introduced with testimony from high‑school students who said they brought the proposal to a legislator as part of a class project and who urged the committee to reduce barriers to contraception and sexually transmitted‑infection prevention. Students and higher‑education witnesses said youth sexual activity is common and that many young people lack unobstructed access to condoms; advocates cited the Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey showing 25% of New Mexico high‑school students report sexual activity, and of those, roughly half reported condom non‑use.

Speakers including university students, teen‑health center representatives and sexual‑assault‑service organizations testified in support. Committee members asked about cost and distribution; the sponsor said existing school funds (school safety plans and local cash reserves) could cover the estimated cost and that the bill leaves the choice of distribution points (restrooms, nurse’s office, student‑health center or other safe locations) to local administrators.

Representative Eleanor Chavez moved a do‑pass recommendation and Representative Anaya seconded. The committee recorded a 5–3 do‑pass on the measure. Sponsors acknowledged budgetary concerns raised by some members and suggested possible supplemental funding sources or private donations for implementation in districts under fiscal strain.

Why it matters: proponents said free and readily accessible condoms reduce rates of STIs and unplanned pregnancies and remove stigma and access barriers for students; some members expressed concern about district budget constraints and urged funding plans if enacted.