presspre

Contact:
Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700
rburks@famm.org

Advocates Challenge Lawmakers to “Beat the Heat” in Hot Prison Cell Simulation at the Austin Capitol

TPAA will launch interactive exhibit that mimics the extreme heat conditions experienced by Texas prisoners.

AUSTIN – Texas Prisons Air-Conditioning Advocates (TPPA), with the support of the national criminal justice reform group FAMM, is hosting a “Beat the Heat” Awareness event on March 12 at the Austin State Capitol. Advocates will ask state lawmakers to take a three-minute “Beat the Heat” challenge to experience the extreme heat conditions of a mock prison cell near the State Capitol.

Since 2007, at least 14 people have died in prison cells due to extreme heat conditions and a lack of air-conditioning in some Texas prisons. The event is being held to raise awareness about bills SB321 and HB936, which would require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to maintain reasonable and humane temperatures between 65° and 85° within all Texas prison facilities.

Beat the Heat Awareness Event
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Reagan Building, Room 120
Austin State Capitol

The event will feature guest speakers including affected family members, advocates, returning citizens, law enforcement, and legislative officials. The heated mock cell will be located outside the Capitol at the parking meters on Colorado Street between 12th and 13th Streets.

To register for the event, contact Casey Phillips, founder and president of TPAA, at (601) 604-0135, or via email at texasprisonsacadvocates@gmail.com.

Texas Prisons Air-Conditioning Advocates (TPAA) advocates for inmates and their families regarding the life-threatening and tortuous conditions inmates are experiencing within the TDCJ facilities due to the extreme temperatures. These extreme temperatures are cruel and inhumane for the staff working in these conditions, as well as for the residents.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies in 6 states and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

###

FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.

FAMM.org | www.facebook.com/FAMMFoundation | @FAMMFoundation

1100 H Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20005 | 202-822-6700