Compassionate Release
Temperature should never determine who lives or dies.
Texas jails are required to maintain a heat index of 65–85°F. Texas prisons are not held to the same standard.
Throughout the year, incarcerated Texans endure dangerous temperature extremes, from life-threatening summer heat to unheated facilities during colder months.
For thousands of incarcerated people, correctional officers, healthcare workers, and families, unsafe temperatures pose a serious threat to health, safety, and human dignity. Learn the Facts
TPCA is working to ensure every Texas prison maintains humane temperatures year-round.
Quick Facts
Why This Matters
Human Rights
Extreme temperatures threaten life, dignity and constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.
Health
Heat contributes to:
-
heat stroke
-
cardiac events
-
respiratory illness
-
mental health deterioration
-
medication complications
Staff Safety
Correctional officers work in the same dangerous conditions.
Extreme heat contributes to:
-
burnout
-
injuries
-
staffing shortages
-
workers compensation claims
Families
Families spend every summer wondering whether their loved one will survive another heat wave.
Public Cost
Heat costs taxpayers through
-
litigation
-
healthcare
-
overtime
-
turnover
-
emergency infrastructure
Research & Evidence
Heat-related Deaths
Climate
Data
Court Findings
Economic Impacts
Inside Stories
2019
First air-conditioning legislation introduced.
Outcome:
Committee failure.
2021
Additional bills filed following COVID.
House bill passed.
Blocked in Senate.
2023
House approved legislation and funding.
Funding removed in conference committee.
2025
Current bills filed.
Current Bills / Sponsor / Status
SB 169 Sen. Menéndez Active
HB 3006 Rep. Canales Active
HB 469 Rep. Rosenthal Active
HB 2997 Rep. Bryant Active
HB 1315 Rep. Martinez Fischer Active
HB 3443 Rep. Reynolds Active
What We're Asking For
Our Policy Priorities
✓ Air conditioning in every housing area
✓ 65–85°F temperature standard
✓ Temporary cooling until installation
✓ Independent temperature monitoring
✓ Daily showers during extreme heat
✓ Reliable access to cold drinking water
✓ Improved building cooling strategies