What Happens When Citizens Show Up
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.” Delegate Brian Chisholm Tweet 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 It was quietly withdrawn—but only because people got involved.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,
