California Governor Gavin Newsom, on Sunday, vetoed a bill that would require all schools in the state to make free condoms available to teenagers. The legislation was introduced by State Senator Caroline Menjivar with the aim of preventing and reducing unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections among teenagers.
Newsom, a Democrat, decided to return Senate Bill 541 without his signature because the state with over 4,000 public schools doesn't have the funding for such an extensive project. Newsom said that he agrees with the benefits the bill comes with, but, the economic strain it would put on the cash-strapped state prevented him from passing the bill.
“This bill would create an unfunded mandate to public schools that should be considered in the annual budget process,” Newsom wrote in a message, AP reported.
“With our state facing continuing economic risk and revenue uncertainty, it is important to remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications, such as this measure,” he added.
The bill would have also helped teens who are usually denied condoms by stores that deny customers from buying contraception based on their age. “By requiring free condoms in all California high schools, we are empowering the youth who decide to become sexually active to protect themselves and their partners from (sexually transmitted infections), while also removing barriers that potentially shame them and lead to unsafe sex,” Menjivar told the LA Times.
Conservative groups have raised objections to the bill. Newsom, on Sunday, signed a bill that aimed at turning the state's fleet of school buses into vehicles powered by electricity. California governor vetoes bill to make free condoms available for high school students
California Governor Gavin Newsom, on Sunday, vetoed a bill that would require all schools in the state to make free condoms available to teenagers. The legislation was introduced by State Senator Caroline Menjivar with the aim of preventing and reducing unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections among teenagers.
Newsom, a Democrat, decided to return Senate Bill 541 without his signature because the state with over 4,000 public schools doesn't have the funding for such an extensive project. Newsom said that he agrees with the benefits the bill comes with, but, the economic strain it would put on the cash-strapped state prevented him from passing the bill.
“This bill would create an unfunded mandate to public schools that should be considered in the annual budget process,” Newsom wrote in a message, AP reported.
“With our state facing continuing economic risk and revenue uncertainty, it is important to remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications, such as this measure,” he added.
The bill would have also helped teens who are usually denied condoms by stores that deny customers from buying contraception based on their age. “By requiring free condoms in all California high schools, we are empowering the youth who decide to become sexually active to protect themselves and their partners from (sexually transmitted infections), while also removing barriers that potentially shame them and lead to unsafe sex,” Menjivar told the LA Times.
Conservative groups have raised objections to the bill. Newsom, on Sunday, signed a bill that aimed at turning the state's fleet of school buses into vehicles powered by electricity.
