In the wake of an attempt in Maryland last year to increase criminal penalties for transmitting HIV, a state legislator is attempting to craft an HIV decriminalization bill, The American Independent reports. Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam (D–Baltimore County) withdrew a bill that would have repealed the state law that makes transmitting HIV a misdemeanor. She withdrew the bill because advocates were concerned that repealing the law would leave the door open for higher penalties. A conviction under the existing law could result in a fine of up to $2,500 and/or three years in prison. Nathan-Pulliam is working with advocates to figure out next steps.

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