NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- One state lawmaker wants to require HIV tests for prison inmates before they're released in an effort to combat the virus.

Rep. Brenda Gilmore said this plan is part of a multifaceted approach to curb the spread of AIDS throughout the African-American population.

She said even though African-Americans make up only 13 percent of the population in Tennessee, they represent 64 percent of new HIV cases. The majority of those are women.

If this bill passes, Gilmore feels like at least one portion of the population will be more aware and take precautions.

While this doesn't address the entire issue, she said any person they can help is one less person to worry about.

"The last PEW report showed that when inmates are released, that within three years, they're back in the prison system, and so this revolving door creates a culture where particularly African American women could be infected," Gilmore said.

Last year, Gilmore proposed similar legislation and was able to pass it in the House.

The Senate, however, did not take any action on it. At this time, she is still waiting for a hearing on the bill.