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Bill

HB 1076

Higher Education Institutions - Over-the-Counter Contraception - Access and Reporting

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Smith

Maryland colleges must stock over-the-counter contraceptives at health centers and report access data to the state.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 674
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Bill Summary · HB 1076

Legislative bill overview

HB 1076 requires Maryland higher education institutions to stock and provide over-the-counter contraceptive methods (such as condoms, emergency contraception, and birth control) at student health centers or other campus locations. The bill also mandates institutions report data on contraceptive access and usage to the state.

Why is this important

Access to contraception affects reproductive autonomy, sexual health outcomes, and student well-being on college campuses. This legislation addresses potential gaps in contraceptive availability, particularly for students with limited financial resources or transportation to off-campus pharmacies, while generating data to inform future public health policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Whether institutions or the state should fund contraceptive stock, and how this affects tuition or institutional budgets
  • Religious institution exemptions: Whether religiously-affiliated colleges can opt out based on doctrinal objections to certain contraceptive methods
  • Reporting privacy concerns: How institutions collect and report usage data while protecting student privacy and preventing potential stigma
  • Scope of methods: Which contraceptive types qualify as "over-the-counter," and whether prescription methods should be included in access requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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