A resolution requesting President George W. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Lamar Alexander, the Davidson County Congressional Delegation, Governor Phil Bredesen, the Tennessee Department of Correction, and Sheriff Daron Hall to develop and implement a mandatory HIV/AIDS testing policy for all prison and jail inmates.

WHEREAS, according to several national medical studies, the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS is five to six times higher in correctional facilities than in the general public; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Department of Correction figures indicate that the number of HIV-infected inmates fluctuated between 208-231 during the years 2000-2004; and

WHEREAS, since HIV testing in Tennessee prisons is mostly voluntary, there is no true indication of just how many inmates enter the system infected; and

WHEREAS, in 2005, a state law became effective in Illinois that requires the state Department of Corrections and all county jails in the state to offer free HIV tests to all inmates when they arrive at prison; and

WHEREAS, mandatory HIV/AIDS testing of all incarcerated persons would help prevent the spread of HIV throughout our prison system and would provide greater opportunities for treatment of those infected with the disease.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting President George W. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Lamar Alexander, the Davidson County Congressional Delegation, Governor Phil Bredesen, the Tennessee Department of Correction, and Sheriff Daron Hall to develop and implement a mandatory HIV/AIDS testing policy for all prison and jail inmates.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to President George W. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Lamar Alexander, each member of the Davidson County Congressional Delegation, Governor Phil Bredesen, the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction, and Sheriff Daron Hall.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace