Its Really Hot Up In Here; Texas Prisons Sued

As we all know, Texas is known for its scorching temperatures, which can reach hellish levels in the middle of summer. I was surprised to find out that most of our prisons in Texas have no air conditioning. So, I added that to my list of things that keep me from going to prison.

The former mortician Bernie Tiede, whose murder case inspired the movie "Bernie." and Advocates are suing the Texas Department of Prisons because of the lack of air conditioning. He alleged his life was in danger because he was being housed in a stifling prison cell without air conditioning. He was later moved to an air-conditioned cell.

Only about 30% of Texas' 100 prison units are fully air-conditioned, with the rest having partial or no air conditioning. Advocates allege temperatures often exceed 120 degrees inside Texas prisons, and the prisoners and guards have to deal with the extreme heat.

The groups and Tiede are asking a federal judge to find that the Texas prison system's current policies regarding excessive heat are unconstitutional and require the prison system to maintain temperatures in its housing and occupied areas between 65 and 85 degrees.

 A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, or TDCJ, Amanda Hernandez, said her agency does not comment on pending litigation. Hernandez said two recently created web pages highlight TDCJ's efforts to install more air conditioning. TDCJ noted that they provide fans and cooling towels and grant access to respite areas where inmates can cool down.