1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I need you to vote yes on House Bill 632 when it comes to the floor. This bill removes outdated criminal sentencing enhancements that target people living with HIV, and it's long overdue. Current Pennsylvania law punishes people with HIV more harshly for conduct that poses no actual risk of transmission. This contradicts modern science and stigmatizes an entire community. HB 632 passed out of the House Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support, 14 to 12, after public hearings demonstrated the need for this change. Criminalizing HIV status doesn't protect public health. It discourages testing, drives people away from treatment, and perpetuates discrimination. People living with HIV who are on effective treatment cannot transmit the virus. Our laws should reflect that reality, not outdated fears from decades ago. Pennsylvania needs to join other states modernizing their approach to HIV. Vote yes on HB 632.