Alaska State Legislature
News from the Senate Majority

State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
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Senator Taylor Responds to Governor's Veto of HIV Measure

For Immediate Release: June 19,1998 Contact: Senator Robin Taylor at (907) 258-8159 or (907) 258-8184.

Anchorage – Senator Robin Taylor today expressed disappointment at Governor Knowles' decision to veto SB 17, a bill criminalizing the knowing transmission of the HIV virus.

"This bill does not criminalize the disease," said Taylor, "It criminalizes the knowing transmission of HIV from one individual to another. The Governor implies the bill could have a 'chilling effect' on HIV testing programs, but information received from officials in other states where similar laws are in effect said they saw no decrease in testing."

The intent of the bill is to protect Alaskans who would unknowingly be exposed to HIV. It does not shift the burden of proof to the defendant and does not criminalize the disease, as opponents to the measure have alleged.

"My bill is intended to protect Alaskans. It greatly disappoints me the Governor has vetoed this bill," said Senator Taylor.

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