SPRINGFIELD — Today, the Illinois House Judiciary-Criminal Committee voted 18-0 to approve House Bill 1063 HA1, which would end criminal penalties against people living with HIV (PLWH). Under current law, PLWH face the threat of arrest, prosecution, and incarceration even if they do not transmit HIV to another person. Additionally, PLWH may face longer sentences simply because of their HIV status.
“We are pleased that House Bill 1063 HA1 moved through Committee today and look forward to a full vote in the Illinois House. Thank you to lead House sponsor Representative Carol Ammons for her leadership and her dedication to this important issue.
Right now, Illinois law treats HIV differently than any other communicable disease, criminalizing a whole class of people even when their conduct poses little or no risk of HIV transmission.
HIV criminalization is ineffective and dangerous because it discourages testing, treatment, and disclosure — all of which are key to preventing the spread of HIV and ending the epidemic. It is time for this destructive law to be repealed — this legislation will bring an end to these harms and change how we approach this public health issue in Illinois.”