On Aug. 25, the California Senate Appropriations Committee failed to pass AB 1677, a bill that would have let the state allow nonprofit health care agencies to distribute "sexual barrier protection devices" (such as condoms and dental dams) in state prisons to reduce the spread of HIV and STDs. With that action, AB 1677, put up by Assemblymember Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood), was killed for the current legislative term. AIDS Healthcare Foundation was among the bill's sponsors. AHF President Michael Weinstein criticized the move as "particularly disturbing in light of the fact that HIV infection rates are exploding among communities of color, especially among women of color who are often exposed to HIV through their relationships with paroled inmates."

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