HIV Criminalization Reform in California: What Does it Mean for Me?

In 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 239 into law, transforming the legal landscape with respect to HIV criminalization in California. Under the new law, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (DSan Francisco) and Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), criminal penalties based on a person’s HIV status cannot be imposed unless the person acts with the intent to harm another person.

Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform (CHCR) celebrates the passage of this landmark bill and offers the following Q&A to help people understand the changes to the law, how these changes will improve public health, and the steps those previously convicted under these laws may be able to take to clear up their criminal record.