This year, a bill was introduced in Maryland that would have decriminalized placing condoms in vending machines inside school buildings, including kindergarten classrooms.
Most Marylanders never heard about it.
That’s exactly the problem. As Delegate Brian Chisholm shared in a recent webinar hosted by Maryland Family Institute and Jonathan Alexandre, bills like this are often quietly advanced through the legislative process, with the hope that no one will notice. But when people are informed, things change.
“They thrive in darkness down there.”
What You Missed in Annapolis
The webinar offered a behind-the-scenes look at Maryland’s most controversial legislation this year. It wasn’t just a recap of what happened. It was a call to action.
One of the most eye-opening examples was House Bill 380, misleadingly titled the “Birth Control Access Act.” This bill would have decriminalized the placement of condoms and other contraceptives in vending machines located in any school building, including those serving young children. After public outrage spread through local media and social platforms, the Senate refused to even allow the bill title to be fully read aloud. It was quietly withdrawn—but only because people got involved.
Another key issue was House Bill 403, the “End-of-Life Option Act”, which sought to legalize physician-assisted suicide. During a hearing, a witness shockingly claimed that Jesus Christ would have used assisted suicide. Delegate Chisholm responded without hesitation.
“That’s not only false. It’s an abomination.”
There was also discussion around Maryland’s increasingly unsustainable state budget. In just a few years, the budget has grown from $49 billion to $67 billion. A special session is expected this fall to address budget shortfalls. Delegate Chisholm warned that this level of spending cannot continue without serious consequences.
Why This Matters for Maryland Families
The most important takeaway from the webinar was this: citizens can make a difference. These bills didn’t stall because of party politics. They stalled because people knew what was happening and made their voices heard.
Delegate Chisholm emphasized that even in a Democrat-controlled legislature, public input still changes outcomes. Committee members listen. Colleagues across the aisle hesitate. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to stop a dangerous policy before it becomes law.
“We’re not pretending we’ll flip 50 Democrat votes. Our job is to inform, educate, and protect. And when people know the truth, they usually land on common sense.”
What You Can Do Right Now
A special legislative session is expected this fall. That means more bills, more spending decisions, and more opportunities for citizens to get involved.
Here’s how to stay engaged:
- Subscribe to updates from Maryland Family Institute.
- Contact your delegate and reference key legislation like HB 403.
- Submit testimony in writing or attend public hearings.
- Invite MFI to speak at your church.
- Follow Delegate Brian Chisholm’s Newsletter
The people still have a voice in Maryland. And when that voice is informed, it’s powerful.
Let’s make sure it’s heard.
