Maryland SB 356: Public Health - Repeal of Prohibition on Transfer of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Carlton R. Smith Act)

Bill Text

WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 652

– 1 –
Chapter 652
(Senate Bill 356)

AN ACT concerning

Public Health – Repeal of Prohibition on Transfer of Human Immunodeficiency
Virus
(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.