South Dakota Senate Approves Legislation That Would Require People Convicted Of Intentionally Spreading HIV To Register As Sex Offenders

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Litigation / Medical Malpractice;  Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 29 Jan 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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The South Dakota Senate on Thursday voted 34-0 to approve legislation (SB 65) that would require people who have been convicted of intentionally spreading HIV to register as sex offenders after being released from prison, the AP/Rapid City Journal reports. According to bill sponsor Sen. Sandy Jerstad (D), the legislation would provide the public with information about the possible dangers people convicted of intentionally spreading HIV pose. Jerstad said that the maximum prison sentence for intentionally spreading HIV is 15 years. "Those victims will have to take HIV tests for years, and they live with the consequences of this crime for the rest of their lives," she said. According to the AP/Journal, two people in South Dakota have been convicted on intentionally spreading HIV. The bill now goes to the House for consideration (AP/Rapid City Journal, 1/24).

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