Arizona Bill Seeks Felony Charge for Intentionally Exposing Others to HIV, STDs

Ariz. Rep. Lela Alston (D-Phoenix) has proposed HB2218, a bill that would make it a felony to intentionally expose others to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Alston explained that she wrote the bill after she heard about a woman in her district who had contracted an STD from a man who did not inform her of his infection. According to Alston, this behavior constitutes criminal intent.

The bill would make it a Class 6 felony for an individual who knows he or she is infected with HIV or one of eight listed STDs to intentionally expose others to the disease. The bill would also redefine exposure to include engaging in sexual intercourse or sodomy; selling or donating tissue, organs, or bodily fluids; and sharing needles or syringes. Ariz. Rep. Sally Ann Gonzales (D-Tucson), who is a primary sponsor of the bill, commented that it is important for the bill to "cover other things that are not yet protected or that we're not holding people accountable (for)," as individuals are also transmitting diseases in ways other than sexual intimacy.