Story perspectives

Pennsylvania Ends HIV Disclosure Felony in Prostitution Law

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 45, ending the felony enhancement for HIV nondisclosure in prostitution.
The bill cleared both Pennsylvania chambers earlier this month without dissenting votes.
Republican Senator Cris Dush sponsored the measure, which also moves most prostitution offenses into the state’s human-trafficking code, a change Democratic Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta called science-based.
Dr. Kathleen A. said HIV is not a crime and that criminalization laws have failed the community.

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Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 45, ending the felony enhancement for HIV nondisclosure in prostitution.
The bill cleared both Pennsylvania chambers earlier this month without dissenting votes.
Republican Senator Cris Dush sponsored the measure, which also moves most prostitution offenses into the state’s human-trafficking code, a change Democratic Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta called science-based.
Dr. Kathleen A. said HIV is not a crime and that criminalization laws have failed the community.