Committee backs bill to provide free condoms in high schools and postsecondary institutions

Representative (sponsor) introduced House Bill 517, which would require public high schools and public postsecondary institutions to make condoms freely and readily available to students. In postsecondary institutions, coordinators would determine distribution in consultation with student health centers; in high schools, school administrators would work with school nurses to determine appropriate access points.

Three seniors from Eldorado High School testified in person about their class project and advocacy: Adeline Arenas, Emma Travis and Kayla Ngo described student experiences and urged easy, stigma-free access. Supporters from universities and public-health organizations cited data linking free condom access with reduced rates of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies and said access supports education and bodily autonomy. Testimony included student testimony from the University of New Mexico and support from the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs and student-advocacy speakers who stressed the measure’s preventive public-health aims.

Committee members asked whether condoms are already available through nurse stations or school-based health clinics; sponsors said access varies and that some schools lack school-based clinics. Members further asked about funding; sponsors said schools could use existing school-safety plan funds or reserves and would not necessarily require new statewide appropriations, though members urged planning for districts facing budget deficits.

Representative Eleanor Chavez moved a do-pass recommendation and Representative Anaya seconded; the committee recorded a do-pass recommendation 5–3. Several members urged that sponsors identify sustainable funding arrangements before the bill proceeds.