Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Senate Bill 45 into law, a measure that eliminates felony charges for individuals arrested for prostitution while knowingly HIV-positive. The provision, part of a human trafficking bill, removes a law that elevated misdemeanor prostitution charges to felony charges if the individual was HIV-positive and aware of their status. Rep. Ben Waxman, the bill’s primary sponsor, described the previous law as “outdated and rooted in fear from decades ago.” The measure is not retroactive, meaning individuals currently incarcerated on such felony charges will not be released until their sentences are completed. Senate Bill 45 is one of 23 new laws signed this week by Gov. Shapiro, addressing workforce access, public safety, consumer protection, veterans’ services, and regulatory updates. Among the new laws is a targeted incentive program to encourage more people to join the National Guard.Another law allows roadside assistance vehicles to install blue safety lights to improve visibility, expanding on a previous law that only permitted blue lights when vehicles were stationary. Additionally, the legislation includes approvals for land deals, such as those involving Penn State Commonwealth campuses slated for closure, including York and Mont Alto.Other properties affected include locations in Millersville, Lancaster County, and land owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Senate Bill 45 into law, a measure that eliminates felony charges for individuals arrested for prostitution while knowingly HIV-positive.
The provision, part of a human trafficking bill, removes a law that elevated misdemeanor prostitution charges to felony charges if the individual was HIV-positive and aware of their status. Rep. Ben Waxman, the bill’s primary sponsor, described the previous law as “outdated and rooted in fear from decades ago.”
The measure is not retroactive, meaning individuals currently incarcerated on such felony charges will not be released until their sentences are completed.
Senate Bill 45 is one of 23 new laws signed this week by Gov. Shapiro, addressing workforce access, public safety, consumer protection, veterans’ services, and regulatory updates.
Among the new laws is a targeted incentive program to encourage more people to join the National Guard.
Another law allows roadside assistance vehicles to install blue safety lights to improve visibility, expanding on a previous law that only permitted blue lights when vehicles were stationary.
Additionally, the legislation includes approvals for land deals, such as those involving Penn State Commonwealth campuses slated for closure, including York and Mont Alto.
Other properties affected include locations in Millersville, Lancaster County, and land owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
