Arkansas Bill Would Require Inmates To Receive HIV Test Before Being Paroled

Arkansas Rep. Fred Allen (R) on Thursday introduced a bill (HB 1444) in the state House that would require inmates in the state's prisons to undergo tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections before being paroled, the AP/Today's THV reports. The bill also would require that inmates receive treatment if they test positive for HIV or other STIs. According to Dina Tyler, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Correction, about 100 of the state's 14,000 inmates are HIV-positive, and 25 to 30 have progressed to AIDS. The state requires that inmates be tested for hepatitis when entering the prison system, but HIV tests are voluntary. Tyler said prison officials are examining the bill to determine what the additional testing would cost (AP/Today's THV, 2/8).

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