Reynolds Bill Orders Air Conditioning For Texas Prisons In Extreme Heat

The text as introduced · 397 words

90R3459 JDK-D

By: Reynolds
H.B. No. 803

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice policy regarding

indoor temperatures at correctional facilities.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Government Code, is

amended by adding Section 501.028 to read as follows:

Sec. 501.028. POLICY REGARDING INDOOR TEMPERATURE AT

DEPARTMENT FACILITIES. (a) The department shall adopt a policy

regarding the temperature in each correctional facility building

operated by or under contract with the department that is regularly

used by inmates, department staff, contractors, or visitors. The

policy must:

(1) establish a reasonable indoor temperature range

that ensures the health and safety of the occupants;

(2) ensure the provision of adequate:

(A) air conditioning during extreme heat; and

(B) heating during cold weather;

(3) prioritize heating and cooling medical units and

units housing:

(A) elderly inmates;

(B) disabled inmates;

(C) pregnant inmates; and

(D) any inmates with increased susceptibility to

extreme temperatures; and

(4) establish an emergency protocol for when indoor

temperatures are outside of the established temperature range,

including:

(A) ensuring the expedited repair of any

malfunctioning HVAC systems;

(B) ensuring the provision of:

(i) access to cool water;

(ii) cooling stations;

(iii) warming stations; and

(iv) medical monitoring; and

(C) temporarily relocating inmates.

(b) The department shall publish on the department's

Internet website an implementation plan for any facilities that do

not comply with the policy adopted under Subsection (a). The plan

must include the following for each facility:

(1) an assessment of alterations or improvements

necessary to achieve compliance, including the estimated cost; and

(2) a timeline for bringing the facility into

compliance.

(c) Not later than December 1 of each year, the department

shall submit a report to the legislature on the department's

compliance with the policy adopted under Subsection (a). The

report must include an update on the implementation plan described

by Subsection (b).

SECTION 2. (a) As soon as practicable after the effective

date of this Act, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall

adopt the standards required under Section 501.028, Government

Code, as added by this Act.

(b) Not later than December 1, 2028, the Texas Department of

Criminal Justice shall submit the first report required by Section

501.028(c), Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.