Most prisons in Texas do not have air conditioning, and this has become a serious issue for many years. Lawsuits, protests, and speeches have tried to raise awareness, with some calling it a human rights violation. Others simply call it inhumane and cruel—especially in the extreme Texas summer heat.
Now, a new bill in the Texas House could bring major change. If approved, it could finally provide air conditioning in all prisons across the state, improving living conditions for thousands of inmates.
What Is House Bill 3006?
House Bill 3006 is the latest effort to ensure that air conditioning is added to Texas prisons. The bill demands that all housing areas, hospital units, kitchens, and other essential prison spaces should have AC installed.
According to KTBS News, only 35 prison units in Texas are fully air-conditioned, while 53 units are partially air-conditioned. This means that tens of thousands of inmates are still living in extremely hot conditions, especially during Texas summers.
A Federal Judge Calls Conditions “Unconstitutional”
Recently, a federal judge ruled that the heat inside Texas prisons is unconstitutional. However, the judge did not order the state to install air conditioning in all prison facilities. Still, the decision has increased public and political pressure.
Meanwhile, another bill—House Bill 2032—aims to make all Texas prisons fully air-conditioned by the year 2032.
To support these changes, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is requesting $118 million in funding this session to install more air conditioning systems in the state’s prisons.
Are Inmates Dying From Extreme Heat?
This is where the information gets a bit confusing. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice says that no inmate has officially died from heat since 2012. But outside advocacy groups argue otherwise.
According to KTBS and the Texas Tribune, these groups claim that dozens of inmates die every year due to extreme heat exposure. They also report that about 85,000 inmates in Texas do not have air conditioning in their main living areas.
Political Support Grows for AC in Prisons
Democratic House member Terry Canales strongly supports the new air conditioning bills. He says that Texas is “cooking prisoners”, and points out that many inmates in these hot prisons are there for minor, non-violent offenses. Canales and others believe that air conditioning is not a luxury—but a basic human need, especially in the brutal Texas heat.