Free Condoms for Prisoners in Texas

I'm surprised a Wisconsin legislator hasn't introduced a bill like this one:

Bill: HB 1868

Caption Version: Introduced

Caption Text: Relating to distribution of sexual barrier protection devices to inmates and state jail defendants confined in facilities operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the testing of certain inmates for HIV.

Elise Hue, KVUE political reporter, writes:

This session, state Rep. Rafael Anchia's behind the bill providing free condoms in TDCJ facilities. The bill also calls for annual HIV testing inside prisons, a much less controversial component. Condoms would not be paid for by the state; rather, it calls on non-profit health agencies to provide the protection.

Last session, a similar effort by state Rep. Garnet Coleman's effort died in committee. House Corrections is hearing the bill today, but it's not going to be laid out by its author. (Anchia is spending today in his Dallas district.) Instead, his Dallas colleague state Rep. Terri Hodge, D-Dallas, is filling-in.

Corrections Chair McReynolds says he's highly supportive of testing.

"Love the idea of testing, absolutely. Very important," he said.

But he's yet to be won over on condoms, largely because he says both consensual sex and rape should not be happening within the prison walls in the first place.

"If we enforce the laws regarding rape in our TDCJ facilities now, then there's no need for this bill," he said.

In Texas, sex is illegal behind bars.

Why distribute condoms?

Unless the ban on consensual sex among inmates is lifted, there's no need to offer free condoms.

I highly doubt that in the case of prison rape, the rapist would take the care to use a condom. I don't see that happening.

What do the Texas legislators in support of HB 1868 think this is?

Junior High School?