According to a press release from the governor’s office, in an effort to “end HIV,” HB 1036 “modernizes the approach to public health regarding HIV in Illinois, by decriminalizing the transmission of HIV.”
The governor’s press release continues:
[T]his legislation amends the Unified Code of Corrections to remove the State’s Attorney ability to request the results of an HIV test if it is relevant to prosecute the charge of criminal transmission of HIV. The bill also amends the AIDS Confidentiality Act so that the disclosure of HIV-related information would no longer be able to be released. Ultimately, the legislation ensures HIV is treated like other chronic conditions, furthering the administration’s mission to end HIV in Illinois.
Illinois state Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana), who came under scrutiny in May after disrespecting a fallen police officer on the state House floor, posted on Twitter, “laws that criminalize HIV were never about public health and safety. They were about pushing LGBTQ+ people, particularly within Black and Brown communities”: