New York Assembly Bill A00733

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Report Pass: 6/5/25
• Refer: 6/5/25
• Report Pass: 6/16/25

Caption

Repeals provisions relating to persons knowing themselves to be infected with venereal disease.

Summary

A00733 repeals section 2307 of the New York Public Health Law, which is the provision addressing persons who know they are infected with a venereal disease. The bill removes that section from the law entirely and provides that the repeal takes effect immediately. It also bars any prosecution or other action from being commenced or continued under the repealed section after the effective date. In practical terms, the bill would eliminate a specific criminal/public health enforcement provision tied to knowingly exposing others while infected with a venereal disease. By repealing the statute, it changes the legal framework governing this conduct and ends future enforcement under that section, while leaving any other unrelated public health or criminal laws in place. The measure is framed as a direct statutory repeal rather than a replacement with a new regulatory scheme. The available voting history suggests the bill has received support in committee, advancing out of the Assembly Codes Committee and then the Assembly Rules Committee on favorable votes. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate to indicate broader public arguments, but the committee results show the measure has moved forward despite some opposition votes. The main point of contention is likely whether repealing the statute weakens public health protections or criminal accountability for intentional disease exposure. Supporters appear to view the provision as outdated or inappropriate for repeal, while opponents likely worry about removing a tool for addressing harmful conduct involving communicable disease. The recorded votes, with notable minority opposition in both committees, indicate the bill is not unanimous and that the policy choice around venereal disease enforcement remains disputed.

Impact

The bill would repeal section 2307 of the Public Health Law, removing the existing statutory basis for prosecutions or other actions against persons who know they are infected with a venereal disease. It would immediately terminate new or ongoing proceedings under that section after enactment, affecting enforcement authorities, prosecutors, and any individuals subject to the repealed provision.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have generally favorable momentum in committee, having advanced through both the Assembly Codes Committee and the Assembly Rules Committee. At the same time, the recorded nays in each vote show meaningful opposition, suggesting the proposal is supported by a majority of committee members but remains controversial. With no transcripts available, the exact arguments are not documented, but the vote pattern indicates cautious support rather than consensus.

Contention

The central contention is whether the state should retain a law specifically targeting people who knowingly have a venereal disease, or whether that provision is outdated and should be removed. Supporters of repeal likely argue that the statute is obsolete, stigmatizing, or duplicative of other public health and criminal laws, while opponents likely argue that it serves as an important deterrent and enforcement tool for protecting public health and preventing intentional exposure. The split committee votes reflect this divide.