South Dakota House Approves Legislation That Would Require People Convicted of Intentionally Spreading HIV To Register as Sex Offenders

The South Dakota House on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve legislation (SB 65) that would require people who have been convicted of intentionally spreading HIV to register as sex offenders after being released from prison, the AP/Rapid City Journal reports (AP/Rapid City Journal, 2/19). The Senate approved the measure last month. Sen. Sandy Jerstad (D), who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, said the legislation would provide the public with information about the possible dangers people convicted of intentionally spreading HIV pose. Jerstad said that the maximum prison sentence for intentionally spreading HIV is 15 years. Two people in South Dakota have been convicted on intentionally spreading HIV (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 1/28). The measure now goes to Gov. Mike Rounds (R) for consideration (AP/Rapid City Journal, 2/19).