California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that aimed to provide free condoms to all public high school students, citing concerns over the state's budget deficit.
The bill, known as Senate bill 541, would have required schools with grades nine through 12 to make condoms available for free to students, and allowed schools with grades seven through 12 to include condoms in educational or public health programs. Additionally, the bill would have made it illegal for retailers to refuse to sell condoms to youth.
In his message explaining the veto, Newsom acknowledged the importance of programs that increase access to condoms and support adolescent sexual health. However, he argued that the bill would create an unfunded mandate for public schools, which should be considered in the annual budget process.
With California currently facing a budget deficit of over $30 billion, Newsom expressed concerns about the financial implications of the bill.
State Senator Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat from Los Angeles and the bill's author, had argued that the legislation would help sexually active youth protect themselves and their partners from sexually transmitted infections, while also removing potential barriers and stigma associated with obtaining condoms.
While Newsom acknowledged the merits of the bill, he emphasized the need for fiscal discipline in light of the state's economic risks and revenue uncertainty. He noted that the bill, along with other measures passed this year, would add $19 billion in costs to the state budget.
The vetoed bill has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocates for sexual health education. Supporters argue that providing free condoms in schools is a crucial step in promoting safe sex and reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Critics, however, contend that the financial burden on the state outweighs the potential benefits of the bill.
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