H.Res. 1084 is a symbolic resolution that designates February 28 as "HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day" and calls for the decriminalization of people living with HIV. The resolution affirms that people should not face criminal charges or enhanced penalties based solely on their HIV status, particularly when there is no actual transmission, intent to transmit, or scientific risk of transmission. Currently, 32 states have HIV-specific criminalization laws, with some prosecuting cases like spitting or biting that do not transmit HIV, while disproportionately affecting Black, brown, and transgender communities. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local governments, law enforcement, educators, and healthcare providers to support HIV decriminalization efforts through education, community engagement, and updated public health approaches that rely on current scientific evidence. While this resolution does not authorize any funding or establish legal requirements, it signals congressional support for modernizing state HIV laws, improving HIV education and prevention programs, and reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
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