The cost drove the governor to veto the measure again this year. The bill’s backers said the cost of treating sexually transmitted infections is greater.
California schools will not be required to provide free condoms to high school students next year after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto a bill that would have mandated it.
The legislation would have ensured that all public high school students have access to free condoms and prevented schools from prohibiting condom distribution during sex education classes and health fairs.
The measure also would have prohibited pharmacies and other retailers from asking condom buyers for identification.
In his rejection letter Wednesday, Newsom explained the costly program would put pressure on the state’s education budget.
He rejected the same bill last year, also for financial reasons.
