OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — State lawmakers have approved a bill that reduces the crime of intentionally exposing a sexual partner to HIV from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Supporters of the change to the rarely used law say the current penalties don’t have an effect on reducing transmissions or improving public health, while opponents argued the move diminishes the significance of the impact on a person who is unknowingly infected.
The legislation requested by the state Department of Health would allow health officers to recommend options ranging from testing to counseling, and even mandate treatment for someone who is placing others at risk.