Ill. Bill Aimed at Slowing the Spread of HIV/AIDs Advances to Gov. Rauner’s Desk

In an effort to fight the spread of HIV/AIDs, Ill. State Senator Emil Jones, III (Dist-14th) is supporting Ill. Legislation, House Bill 1004 , a measure to extend a program that allows health care professionals to notify a spouse or civil union partner when HIV test results are positive.

House Bill 1004, amends the State Finance Act and the African American HIV/AIDS Response ACT by changing the date for repeal of the African American HIV/AIDS Response Fund from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2026. It also amends the AIDS Confidentiality Act by revising the definition of a health care professional and expands the informed consent clarification for HIV tests, permitting physician notification of a civil union partner in the same manner a spouse is notified.

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Ill. State Sen. Emil Jones, III

“Informing people of their HIV/AIDs status is pivotal to stopping this disease from spreading,” said Sen. Jones, III one of the sponsors of the Bill. “If people aren’t aware that they are at possible risk of having HIV, then the chances of it turning into full blown AIDs are much more likely.”

In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is described as a health crisis, especially in the African-American community. The Roseland community, part of Senator Jones’ district has among the highest rates of AID/ HIV in the city.

African Americans represent only 14 percent of the U.S. population, but account for almost half of all new HIV infections in the United States per year, as well as more than one-third of all people living with HIV in our nation.

“This measure is about awareness,” Jones said. “The measure is a step in the right direction towards slowing this epidemic.”









House Bill 1004 unanimously passed the Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature.

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