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Rhode IslandH53482025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES -- HIV/AIDS .

Sponsored By: Edith H. Ajello (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

HIV testing without consent expands

Rhode Island allows HIV testing without consent for babies under one and children ages 1–13 who show HIV symptoms. Minors in state child welfare care can also be tested without consent when the director certifies testing is needed to secure health or human services. Separate rules cover significant exposure to a patient's blood or body fluids involving a non-supervisory employee or emergency service worker. An authorized occupational health representative or clinician not directly involved must confirm the exposure. If the patient or guardian refuses consent, an available patient blood sample must be tested. Without an available sample, the worker can ask Superior Court to order testing if the patient refuses a blood draw. Before patient testing is required, the worker must take a baseline HIV test within 72 hours of exposure.

HIV tests become optional after prostitution convictions

People convicted of any offense under Rhode Island's commercial sexual activity chapter must be offered an HIV test. They can choose whether to take it. This replaces mandatory testing without consent. The law takes effect upon passage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Edith H. Ajello

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Jennifer Boylan

    Democratic • House

  • Robert E. Craven, Sr.

    Democratic • House

  • Cherie L. Cruz

    Democratic • House

  • Leonela Felix

    Democratic • House

  • Jenni A. Furtado

    Democratic • House

  • Michelle E. McGaw

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Ann Shallcross Smith

    Democratic • House

  • June Speakman

    Democratic • House

  • Teresa A. Tanzi

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 94 • No: 10

Senate vote • 6/18/2025

HEALTH/SAFETY -- PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION/CONTAGIOUS DISEASES In Concurrence Passage

Yes: 34 • No: 2

House vote • 6/10/2025

HEALTH & SAFETY/HIV/AIDS PASSAGE

Yes: 60 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 194

    6/26/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2025Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/18/2025Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/18/2025)

    6/13/2025Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    6/10/2025House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2025)

    6/6/2025House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/5/2025

  8. Proposed Substitute

    5/30/2025

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/05/2025)

    5/30/2025

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    2/25/2025

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2025)

    2/21/2025

  12. Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

    2/7/2025House

Bill Text

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