(CNN) A bill that's steadily progressing in Washington state would reduce the penalty for intentionally exposing another to blood-borne pathogens like HIV.

The bill , which passed the state House earlier this month, is now in committee in the Senate. If it passes, the bill -- originally proposed by the state's Department of Health -- would make it a misdemeanor to intentionally expose a sexual partner to HIV, reducing the penalty from a felony.

The bill would also allow minors of at least 14 years of age to consent to preventative treatment against HIV infection, without prior approval from a parent or guardian.

It would also update the language in existing law, broadening most references from just "HIV/AIDS" to "blood-borne pathogen" or "sexually transmitted disease."

Support for the bill has largely been divided by party lines. Though it passed the House, the vote was far from unanimous -- with 57 yeas from Republicans and 40 nays from Democrats.

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