> Places like California have recently decriminalized spreading STI/Ds
If you're referring to SB 239, which passed in 2017, it did not decriminalize spreading STIs. It converted knowingly transmitting HIV to a misdemeanor, with the penalty changing from 3 years in prison to 6 months.
Effectively, it removed the special-cased extra penalties for HIV, and brought it in line hepatitis, syphilis, etc.
If you're referring to SB 239, which passed in 2017, it did not decriminalize spreading STIs. It converted knowingly transmitting HIV to a misdemeanor, with the penalty changing from 3 years in prison to 6 months.
Effectively, it removed the special-cased extra penalties for HIV, and brought it in line hepatitis, syphilis, etc.