Bill > H1398

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 265 of the General Laws by adding a new section that prohibits individuals diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS related complexities (ARC), or other manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from knowingly engaging in certain activities without disclosure or proper precautions. Specifically, it makes it illegal for an infected person to knowingly have sexual intercourse without informing their partner, knowingly engage in prostitution, knowingly sell or donate blood, blood products, semen, tissue, organs, or other bodily fluids, or knowingly share a hypodermic needle or syringe without informing the other person of its prior use by an HIV-infected individual. Violations of this new section would be punishable by imprisonment for five to fifteen years, a fine of $5,000 to $15,000, or both. Furthermore, the bill adds a provision that allows for an additional five years to a prison sentence for individuals convicted of certain existing crimes (sections 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, or 23 of Chapter 265) if they are afflicted with AIDS, ARC, or HIV infection at the time of the offense.