State Rep. Venton Jones’ bill to offer HIV testing in Texas when someone is screened for other STDs passed its third reading in the Texas House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 29. It brings Texas in line with CDC guidance and public health best practices.
The bill doesn’t require HIV testing, but simply offers it to anyone already getting tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.
“Today, we are one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic in Texas,” Jones said.
The bill passed with strong bi-partisan support — only 25 Republicans voted against the measure. With passage in the House, the bill was sent to the Health and Human Services committee in the Senate.
— David Taffet