Maryland HB39: Public Health - Repeal of Prohibition on Transfer of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Carlton R. Smith Act)

What the bill says

An act concerning Public Health - Repeal of Prohibition on Transfer of Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Repeal (Carlton R. Smith Act) FOR the purpose of repealing the prohibition on an individual from knowingly transferring or attempting to transfer the human immunodeficiency virus to another individual; and generally relating to transfer of human immunodeficiency virus. BY repealing Article - Health - General Section 18-601.1 Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement).

From the enrolled text, June 4, 2025:

AN ACT concerning Public Health - Repeal of Prohibition on Transfer of Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Repeal (Carlton R. Smith Act) FOR the purpose of repealing the prohibition on an individual from knowingly transferring or attempting to transfer the human immunodeficiency virus to another individual; and generally relating to transfer of human immunodeficiency virus. BY repealing Article - Health - General Section 18-601.1 Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Health - General [18-601.1. (a) An individual who has the human immunodeficiency virus may not knowingly transfer or attempt to transfer the human immunodeficiency virus to another individual. (b) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,500 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both.] SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect October 1, 2025. Approved by the Governor, May 20, 2025.

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Sponsors

• Kris Fair (D, 3) · primary sponsor