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 Oklahoma, it is a criminal offense to knowingly transmit a sexually transmitted disease (STD) to another person. Under Oklahoma law, specifically Title 21, Section 1191 of the Oklahoma Statutes, it is illegal for a person with a venereal disease to have sexual intercourse with another person without informing them of the disease. This applies to diseases such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, and hepatitis B. The law requires that individuals who are aware they are infected with an STD must disclose this information to their sexual partners before engaging in sexual activity. Failure to do so can result in criminal prosecution. Additionally, individuals who negligently transmit an STD without informing their partners may face civil lawsuits for damages. The relevant laws are found in the state's penal or criminal code, as well as health and safety regulations.