In many states it is a criminal offense to intentionally or recklessly transmit a sexually transmitted disease (STD or venereal disease) to another person. Examples of such diseases include HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, and hepatitis B.

Laws vary from state to state, and in some states these laws include other infectious or communicable diseases. In some states there is a specific criminal offense for transmission of sexually transmitted or communicable diseases, and in other states criminal prosecutors charge the defendant with a more general crime like assault.

Laws regarding criminal liability for the intentional or reckless transmission of sexual or other infectious or communicable diseases are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code, or the health and safety code.

A person who negligently transmits a sexually transmitted disease to another person through sexual contact—without informing the other person of the offender’s infection before the sexual contact—may also be subject to civil liability for money damages in a lawsuit.

In Nebraska, the intentional or reckless transmission of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is addressed under the state's criminal statutes. Specifically, Nebraska Revised Statute 28-701 to 28-722 outlines the criminal offenses related to the transmission of infectious diseases, including STDs. Under these statutes, it is a criminal offense to knowingly and intentionally expose another person to an STD without their knowledge and consent. This can be prosecuted under various charges, such as assault or sexual assault, depending on the circumstances of the transmission. Additionally, individuals who negligently transmit an STD without informing their partner of their infection status prior to sexual contact may face civil liability and could be sued for monetary damages. It is important for individuals in Nebraska to be aware of their health status and to communicate with sexual partners about any potential risks of STD transmission to avoid legal consequences.