House approves repeal of vending-machine ban on contraceptives in schools

The Maryland House of Delegates voted on Feb. 20, 2025, to repeal the criminal prohibition on the sale of contraceptives and contraceptive devices from vending machines in schools by approving House Bill 380 on third reading. The clerk recorded 89 votes in the affirmative and declared the bill passed.

Supporters told the chamber that the measure removes a criminal penalty and does not itself compel schools to place vending machines on campus. "All it does is remove a misdemeanor from our criminal law article," said Delegate (unnamed, supporter), who spoke in favor of the bill, adding that the legislation does not dictate school policy.

Opponents assailed the proposal as excessive and raised concerns about machines in nonsecondary settings. "This bill would put [contraceptives] in not only high schools, but middle schools, gray area there maybe, but also elementary schools, preschools, and day cares," said Delegate (unnamed, opponent). Another delegate called the idea "the over sexualization of our children" and urged colleagues to vote no.

Debate included repeated assertions from opponents that contraceptives are already available free in secondary schools; supporters and other members said the bill is narrow in scope. A floor exchange also included concerns that the change was a low priority for the session compared with issues such as electricity costs and school performance.

The House proceeded to a roll-call vote after debate. The clerk announced that House Bill 380 "having received a majority is declared passed" with 89 affirmative votes. The bill will move forward according to the legislative calendar for any further steps required under House rules.

The floor debate and vote occurred during the House's third-reading calendar and were followed by reading the next bill on the calendar.