Bill > H2205

This bill proposes to add a new section to Chapter 265 of the General Laws, which deals with crimes and punishments, to address the deliberate spread of contagious diseases, specifically focusing on HIV infection. The bill makes it illegal for individuals diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), AIDS Related Complex (ARC), or other manifestations of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection to knowingly engage in certain activities without informing others of their condition. These prohibited activities include having sexual intercourse without disclosure, engaging in prostitution, selling or donating bodily fluids like blood or semen, and sharing used hypodermic needles or syringes without disclosure. Violating these provisions would carry a penalty of five to fifteen years in state prison, a fine of $5,000 to $15,000, or both. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that individuals convicted of certain other crimes (sections 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, or 23 of Chapter 265) who are also infected with HIV at the time of the offense could face an additional five years added to their prison sentence.