House Bill No. 76 introduces the crime of "intentional infection of an incurable sexually transmitted disease" in Louisiana law. This new offense is defined as when a person knowingly infects another individual with an incurable sexually transmitted disease without the victim's informed consent. The bill outlines specific actions that constitute this crime, including sexual intercourse, the sale or donation of bodily fluids, and sharing needles. Penalties for this crime vary based on the victim's age and other factors, with severe consequences for offenders who target minors or individuals with intellectual disabilities. The bill also establishes affirmative defenses for those accused, such as if the victim was aware of the risk of infection.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to classify the intentional infection of a sexually transmitted disease as a sex offense, thereby expanding the definition of sex offenses to include this new crime. The amendments clarify the elements of the offense and specify that lack of knowledge regarding the victim's age is not a valid defense. Overall, this legislation aims to address the serious public health implications of knowingly transmitting incurable sexually transmitted diseases and to enhance legal accountability for such actions.

Statutes affected:
HB76 Engrossed: 15:541(24)
HB76 Reengrossed: 15:541(24)