Prisoners in Texas sue over unsafe heat conditions

Texas prisoners are suing for air conditioning, arguing that extreme heat in the state’s prisons amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.

Mike Lee reports for E&E News.

In short:

• A lawsuit claims that the excessive heat in Texas prisons, where temperatures can exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit, is a form of cruel and unusual punishment.
• The suit argues that air conditioning should be installed to protect inmates, especially those with medical conditions.
• Texas has provided air conditioning to some units, but the majority of its prison cells remain without it.

Key quote:

“We’re not asking to make incarcerated folks comfortable. The state has a responsibility to safely house the incarcerated population that is in its care.”

— Marci Marie Simmons, former inmate and plaintiff

Why this matters:

Extreme heat poses a severe health risk, especially for vulnerable inmates in Texas prisons, where conditions are worsening due to climate change. Ensuring humane conditions is vital as heatwaves become more frequent and intense.

For more: Texas prisons face lawsuit over dangerously high temperatures