Public Health - Repeal of Prohibition on Transfer of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Carlton R. Smith Act)

SB 356 repeals Maryland's criminal law (Section 18-601.1 of the Annotated Code) that previously prohibited individuals with HIV from knowingly transferring the virus to others, making such acts a misdemeanor punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a $2,500 fine. The bill directly affects people living with HIV who could have faced criminal charges under this provision. It removes the criminal penalty for knowingly transmitting HIV, shifting focus from criminalization to public health approaches. The repeal takes effect October 1, 2025, and does not alter other HIV-related public health or medical regulations.