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Congress·In Committee·5 days ago

Awareness Day for Ending HIV Criminalization

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

  • This resolution proposes making February 28 "HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day." The goal is to teach the public about outdated laws that punish people simply for having HIV, even if they didn't intend to hurt anyone or spread the virus.
  • Right now, 32 states have special laws for people with HIV, and 28 states have rules that make prison sentences longer if a person is HIV-positive. The resolution argues these laws are often based on old fears rather than modern medical facts.
  • The proposal highlights that these laws do not actually help stop the spread of HIV. Instead, they may discourage people from getting tested or seeking medical help because they are afraid of being treated like criminals.
  • It calls for more money for healthcare and education, including programs that help people get medicine that prevents the spread of the virus. It also supports states that are working to change their laws to be more fair and scientifically accurate.
  • The resolution notes that these laws affect Black and brown communities, women, and transgender people the most. It points out that many arrests are for things like spitting, which science shows cannot actually spread the virus.

Milestones

1 milestone2 actions
Feb 25, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Feb 25, 2026

Submitted in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Support for the designation of February 28 as "HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day" and affirming that people living with HIV should not be criminalized based on their HIV status.

Bill NumberHRES 1084
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(9)
D: 9

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