Washington § 70.24.027 - Intentional transmission of HIV — Penalties.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 70.24.027 — Intentional transmission of HIV — Penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 70.24.027. Intentional transmission of HIV — Penalties.

(1) It is unlawful for a person who knows that he or she has HIV to have sexual intercourse if:
(a) The person has been counseled by a health care provider or public health professional regarding the risk of transmitting HIV to others;
(b) The partner or partners exposed to HIV through sexual intercourse did not know that the person had HIV; and
(c) The person intended to transmit HIV to the partner.
(2) It is a defense to a prosecution under this section if:
(a) HIV was not transmitted to the partner; or
(b) The person took or attempted to take practical means to prevent transmission of HIV.
(3)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in RCW 9A.20.021.
(b) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable as provided in RCW 9A.20.021 if the person knowingly misrepresented his or her infection status to the partner.
(c) Violation of this section does not require registration under RCW 9A.44.130, unless the partner is a child or vulnerable adult victim.
(4) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a) "Practical means to prevent transmission" means good faith employment of an activity, behavior, method, or device that is scientifically demonstrated to measurably reduce the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, including but not limited to: The use of a condom, barrier protection, or other prophylactic device; or good faith participation in a treatment regimen prescribed by a health care provider or public health professional.
(b) "Sexual intercourse" has its ordinary meaning and occurs upon any penetration, however slight, of the vagina or anus of one person by the sexual organs of another whether such persons are of the same or another sex.
[ 2020 c 76 s 5.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 70.24.027

What does Revised Code of Washington § 70.24.027 cover?

Section 70.24.027 ("Intentional transmission of HIV — Penalties.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 70.24.027?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 70.24.027" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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