HIV criminalization

Viruses do more than get people sick. They create, Steven Thrasher writes, a “viral underclass.”

Gov. Mike Parson signed a law on Wednesday that reduces the penalty for those convicted of transmitting HIV to another person. Advocates and public health professionals are hopeful the new laws will lead to more people seeking HIV testing and treatment.

The St. Peters Republican also discussed legislation that changes policy around HIV — and the special session over a critical tax that funds Medicaid.

As Chloe Owens looks toward the new year, she’s thinking about it from the perspective of an activist — and well aware of the challenges that come with…