A bill before Texas lawmakers would give free condoms to Texas inmates. It's early in the process, but the idea is already drawing some controversy at the capitol.

Former Texas prisoner Garrett Cunningham admits that when he was incarcerated, he did more than just time.

"I still feel threatened, even today," he said. "The sexual abuse I received was from an officer, in the unit. On a daily basis."

State Representative Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, says Cunningham's situation isn't uncommon.

"Sex occurs [in prisons] even though we don't want it to, and even though it's illegal," he said.

So he wrote a bill that would give Texas prisoners access to protection. The bill calls for giving free condoms to all inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system.

"The purpose is to decrease the spread of HIV and of course, AIDS, among prison populations, to protect people outside when prisoners are released," Coleman said.

Coleman said his proposal would cost the state nothing. It calls for Texas non-profits to pitch in to provide the condoms.

Former inmate Cunningham said he's not so sure about condoms for convicts.

"It's gonna help encourage offenders to commit sexual acts while there in there because they know they have the protection," he said.

Other opponents brought up the same concern with the House Corrections Committee, which is considering the measure. But Coleman said his goal is simple.

"The best thing to do is to make sure people are safe," he said.

Whether free condoms will do that is up to lawmakers to decide.