SB 608 (Menjivar) This bill mandates that all public and charter schools serving grades 7-12 must provide condoms, ensuring they are easily accessible to students. Additionally, it blocks school districts from banning condom distribution in sex education programs, peer-led health initiatives, school health fairs, and other public health efforts.

But SB 608 doesn’t stop at schools—it also demands that nonprescription contraception, including condoms and birth control pills, be available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and retail outlets without age-based restrictions. 

Senator Menjivar defends the bill passionately, declaring, “By expanding access to condoms in California schools and communities, we are empowering the youth who decide to become sexually active to protect themselves and their partners from STIs, while also removing barriers that potentially shame them and lead to unsafe sex.”

However, not everyone is on board. Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar proposal, citing budget concerns. 

ACTION STEP 1:  Email your California State Senator and urge a "NO" vote on SB 608. Click “Send Message” to email your California Senator.

ACTION STEP 2:  Call your California State Senator and follow the script to urge him or her to vote “NO” on SB 608. Click the phone symbol, then click the phone symbol next to your senator's name. A phone script will appear for you to follow.