Pennsylvania moves to decriminalize HIV status in prostitution cases
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 45, a bipartisan reform that eliminates the felony enhancement tied to an HIV diagnosis in sex-work cases, reclassifies most prostitution offenses, and aims to reduce stigma and public-health barriers by ensuring an HIV diagnosis alone is not a felony trigger. The measure passed both chambers without dissent, and supporters including LGBTQ lawmakers and public-health officials framed it as modernizing outdated laws in line with advances in HIV treatment.