Most Texas Prisons Don’t Have Full Air Conditioning, That Could Change

Most prisons in Texas don't have air conditioning and that has been the subject of lawsuits, campaigns, and speeches for years now. Some say that those who a in non-air conditioned prison are being denied human rights. Others say it's just wrong.

A new bill in the Texas House could change all of that if lawmakers vote to fund air conditioning in Texas prisons.

Air Conditioning In Texas Prisons

House Bill 3006 calls for air conditioning in all Texas prison hospitals, housing areas, kitchens, and other "essential spaces". According to KTBS, 35 prison units in Texas are fully air-conditioned. 53 prison units are only partially air-conditioned.

According to the Texas Tribune, last month, a Federal Judge ruled that the heat conditions were unconstitutional but did not order air conditioning inside the prisons that do not have it.

Under House Bill 2032, Texas prisons would be fully air conditioned by 2032. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice this session have requested $118 million in funding for additional air conditioning.

Are Texas Inmates Dying From Heat?

The answer isn't that clear. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has not reported an inmates death from heat since 2012. However, some outside advocacy groups claim that dozens of inmates die each year from heat exposure according to KTBS.

The Texas Tribune reports that about 85,000 Texas inmates don't have air conditioning in most living areas.

Democrat House member Terry Canales claims Texas is "cooking prisoners" and that some of those in prisons without air conditioning are in for "minor offenses".

We will continue to watch this and other legislation in the Texas Legislature.