MODERNIZING OUR HIV LAWS
After years of organizing, advocating, and making lawmakers understand the needs of Maryland's marginalized communities, FreeState Justice was thrilled to be a part of the Carlton R Smith Jr. HIV Modernization Act being signed into law.
The Act was passed on May 20th, 2025.
The Carlton R Smith Jr HIV Modernization Act will take effect on October 1st, 2025.
Expungement is a legal process that allows people to remove certain charges or cases from their criminal record.
Marylanders who were criminalized due to MD Health-Gen Code § 18-601.1 have the chance to expunge these cases from their criminal record. FreeState Justice can help you begin your expungement journey, just click here.
DATE PASSED
DATE IT WILL TAKE EFFECT
EXPUNGEMENTS
Pathway to Progress
HIV Pathway to Progress is an impactful, annual event dedicated to raising awareness about HIV and promoting the mission of FreeState Justice, an organization committed to the decriminalization of HIV in Maryland.
The objective of HIV Pathway to Progress was to drive awareness and advocacy around the decriminalization of HIV in Maryland, particularly focusing on the harmful impact of MD Health-Gen Code § 18-601.1. This law criminalized HIV transmission and created stigma, which hindered public health efforts and disproportionately affected marginalized communities.
There were 100+ Advocates in attendance
$50,000 was raised in support of this cause
The 2025 Pathway to Progress took place on Friday, January 17th, at Baltimore Center Stage.
In the Legislature
PREP ACCESS
On The Radio
Have you heard our radio ad on the airwaves in the D.C. and Baltimore areas or online? We are proud to help educate the public about the significant advancements in HIV science, prevention, and treatment, and the urgent need to update Maryland’s laws.
Maryland HIV Advocacy
Coalition
FreeState Justice leads the Decriminalization Coalition in Maryland. It is made up of people living with HIV, HIV service providers, and advocates interested in decriminalizing HIV in Maryland.
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HIV in Maryland
HIV In The u.s.
