A majority of Texas state prisons lack air conditioning. Texas prisoners and staff endure extreme heat and humidity in closed facilities, without proper air ventilation, for months on end every year. In the 2019 legislative session, FAMM pushed reforms that would require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to maintain reasonable and humane temperatures within all Texas prison facilities. Unfortunately, the reform did not pass. The legislature is currently out of session and will not return until January 2021.
FAMM will continue to advocate for safe and humane prison conditions in Texas, and elevate the voices of individuals who are directly impacted and their family members.
2019 Laws and Policy
When initially introduced, HB 936 would have required the Department of Criminal Justice to maintain reasonable and humane temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit within all Texas prison facilities.
On March 21, 2019, the House Committee on Corrections held a public hearing for HB 936 and FAMM submitted written testimony, urging the committee to advance the bill. Read our testimony for HB 936 here.
In April of 2019, the bill was amended to only require a study and report on the cost of providing air conditioning in prisons.
This bill did not become law.
Past News and Resources:
News: FAMM disappointed in the changes to Texas heat bill
On March 21, 2019, the House Committee on Corrections held a public hearing for HB 936 and FAMM submitted written testimony, urging the committee to advance the bill. Read our testimony for HB 936 here.