PrEP effectiveness
Reduction in the risk of getting HIV from sex when taken as prescribed.
Source: CDC ↗
Donate now LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN · NEW YORK 2026
Legislation exists. But there's real work to do to make change a reality.
New Yorkers for a Modern Health Code supports the Public Health Modernization Act, introduced by State Senator Erik Bottcher and Assemblymember Tony Simone. We are raising $280,000 for a one-year campaign to support the legislation, pursue other avenues for achieving the change, and ultimately modernize New York's health code.
$280,000FY 2026–27 REVENUE GOAL
SUBMIT PETITIONIMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE
OCTOBERTARGET DATE FOR SUBMISSION
Support legislation✦Submit petition✦Shape new rules✦Clear other barriers
An Outdated Regulation 01
1985
A permanent rule adopted in the first years of the crisis in a section of the Sanitary Code stilled titled "AIDS"
10 NYCRR § 24-2.2A CATEGORICAL JUDGMENT STILL OPERATES AS THE RULE
“No establishment shall make facilities available for the purpose of sexual activities where anal intercourse, vaginal intercourse or fellatio take place. Such facilities shall constitute a threat to the public health.”
The text does not account for whether a venue could be licensed, inspected, sanitary, or responsibly paired with prevention services. It defines the facility itself as the threat. And regulations enacted prior to 1997 are not subject to regular review.
Read the current ruleTHE SCIENCE CHANGED 02
Forty years later, harm reduction is the appropriate focus, based on modern science.
A modern prevention framework would not eliminate every risk. But it would give public health officials better tools than a categorical ban—and creates the opportunity for enforceable standards.
Sexual transmissions with U=U
A person who maintains an undetectable viral load has zero risk of sexual transmission.
Source: CDC ↗Virally suppressed in care
Share of New Yorkers with HIV receiving care who were virally suppressed in 2024.
Source: NYC Health ↗THE PUBLIC-HEALTH CASE 03
1,791newly diagnosed with HIV in NYC in 2024
Tools only work when people can access them.
Sixty-five percent of known transmission categories among new diagnoses were men who have sex with men. The answer is not to abandon public-health safeguards—it is to ask whether today’s rule expands access to prevention, testing, treatment, and accountable oversight.
Review NYC’s 2024 surveillance report ↗THE LEGISLATION 04
Support repealing the ban. Help shape what replaces it.
In addition to repealing the ban, the legislation gives the State Health Department six months to enact rules for licensing and operating adult bathhouses. New Yorkers for a Modern Health Code supports passage and a strong public health protocol for bathhouses. But there's no need to wait for the legislation to pass. A formal rulemaking petition will urge the Department to avoid a legislative mandate by starting a review of the code NOW.
THE LEGISLATIVE OPENING
Replace the ban with rational regulation
Passage would move New York from categorical prohibition toward a transparent licensing and operating framework grounded in contemporary prevention and treatment.
WHAT NEW YORKERS WILL FIGHT FOR
- Passage of the Public Health Modernization Act
- Formal petition asking NYSDOH to avoid a legislative mandate by beginning a review now
- Licensing, inspection, sanitation, and accountability
- On-site prevention, testing, education, and referral
- Meaningful community, clinician, and operator input
- Alignment across other state rules and New York City codes
THE CAMPAIGN 05
There's real work to be done to make a modernized health code a reality.
LEGISLATIVE TRACK
Support legislation
Build visible support, brief lawmakers, recruit partners, and make the evidence-based case for passage.
ADMINISTRATIVE TRACK
Submit petition
Submit a formal rulemaking petition to NYSDOH now, creating a public record and asking the agency to act without waiting for legislation.
RULEMAKING
Shape new rules
Build the licensing model, evidence base, and community input needed to shape rulemaking whichever path moves first.
IMPLEMENTATION
Clear local path
Identify city building, fire, zoning, and licensing barriers so compliant venues can actually open.
PUBLICATIONS 06
Petition to the Department of Health
A formal request asking the New York State Department of Health to begin rulemaking without waiting for legislation to pass.
IN DEVELOPMENTNews and public statements
Official announcements, press releases, and responses from New Yorkers for a Modern Health Code will be published here.
COMING SOONRegulatory frameworks in other jurisdictions
A comparative review of how other jurisdictions regulate venues, health safeguards, licensing, inspections, and accountability.
IN DEVELOPMENTThe regulatory history of Section 24
A documented history of Section 24, its adoption during the AIDS crisis, later amendments, and the case for modern review.
IN DEVELOPMENTYEAR-ONE ACCOUNTABILITY 07
Real work. Real results. A modern health code for New York.
Donors fund a disciplined legislative, regulatory, and public education campaign. We will report what we build and move without promising outcomes controlled by lawmakers or agencies.
Visible support coalition
Public endorsement, partner sign-ons, and clear materials lawmakers can use.
Legislative progress
Track briefings, sponsors, hearings, public education, and the bill's movement.
Petition on the record
Publish and submit a counsel-reviewed rulemaking petition with evidence, a proposed approach, and implementation questions.
Implementation map
Name the state and city barriers that remain and who is responsible for resolving them.
Leading the way to a modern health code for New York.
THE FOUNDING ASK 08
Greater the gift, greater the significance.
Every unrestricted gift advances the full charitable mission. These giving levels show the scale of work a donation makes possible.
Drive the campaign
Help underwrite legislative strategy, the rulemaking petition, legal counsel, policymaker briefs, and rapid response.
Give $10,000 →Shape the rules
Support scientific review, a workable licensing model, and meaningful community input.
Give $1,000 →Build public support
Support partner activation, accessible policy briefs, design, and donor-independent communications.
Give $100 →DONATE 09
Fund the path to a modern health code.
Your gift supports lawful advocacy for the Public Health Modernization Act, the administrative rulemaking petition, regulatory design development, public education, coalition building, and implementation planning.
- One-time and monthly gifts
- Secure Wix-managed checkout
- Gift acknowledgment provided after payment
New Yorkers for a Modern Health Code is being organized as a New York charitable nonprofit seeking federal 501(c)(3) recognition. Gift deductibility and solicitation disclosures depend on final status and receipt language. No goods or services are provided unless stated otherwise.
STAY INFORMED 10
Not ready to donate but want to stay informed?
Receive campaign news, new publications, opportunities to take action, and progress toward a modernized health code.
FOUNDING CONVERSATION 11
Planning a major gift or foundation grant?
Tell us what you are considering. We’ll follow up with the donor briefing, budget detail, organizational-status disclosures, and answers to your diligence questions.