State Back in Court Soon Over No AC in Prisons

Texas will soon return to federal court to defend not providing air conditioning in many of its prisons, according to the Texas Standard. The plaintiffs include advocacy groups and incarcerated individuals, who claim that the heat levels in un-air-conditioned prisons constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice argues that the prison system needs more funding and resources. Twothirds of the state’s 103 prison facilities lack air conditioning in cell blocks and dorms. Temperatures inside those prisons often rise above 90 degrees, according to readings now required by law.

“There is no mitigation measure other than air conditioning that can protect people from death or sickness due to the heat,” attorney Erica Grossman said. “People living in Texas prisons should not be subjected to conditions we won’t even subject animals to.”

County jails are required to keep temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees. Animal shelters also have heat rules.