'Having a virus shouldn't be a crime': OK Representative pushing to decriminalize HIV

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Rep. Mauree Turner, D-District 88, proposed a bill that aims to encourage testing and treatment for HIV in rural Oklahoma by decriminalizing the virus.

“It’s simple. Having a virus shouldn’t be a crime. HB 2343 will decriminalize HIV. The current law targets people living with HIV, despite the virus being recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Turner said.

According to Turner, Oklahoma is one of the states with the highest rural HIV burden in the United States.

Under current Oklahoma law, it is a felony offense and punishable by up to five years in prison if a person living with HIV engages in conduct with the intent to transmit the virus to another individual.

Turner said the current law is out of date, not well-defined, and discourages testing and treatment.

HB 2343 would encourage testing and treatment of HIV. New medications and therapies allow everyday Oklahomans living with HIV to lead healthy lives. With proper treatment, the virus can be reduced to undetectable levels which could reduce the rate of transmission and increase the health of our rural communities.” they said.

Last year, the Oklahoma State Department of Health began offering free, at-home rapid self-tests as part of an effort to help decrease the spread of the virus.

The free test kits can be ordered online at testkitrequest@health.ok.gov and are mailed in a discrete package that also contains resources and information.

Turner's bill is expected to be heard Wednesday in the Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee.