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Bill Requiring Air Conditioning in All Texas Prisons Wins Preliminary House Approval

The Texas House passed House Bill 3006 on May 16, 2025, in Austin, requiring air conditioning in all state prisons by the end of 2032.
The bill responds to long-standing concerns about extreme heat in prisons, including a federal judge ruling in March 2025 that temperatures above 100 degrees constitute unconstitutional punishment.
House Bill 3006, authored by Rep. Terry Canales and co-sponsored by Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., mandates phased climate control installation in key prison areas such as housing, medical, kitchens, and offices.
The bill passed with a 79-39 vote and mandates that the state agency overseeing prisons control temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees. Installation of climate control systems will be completed in three stages by 2028, 2030, and 2032, with each phase’s expenses limited to $100 million.
If fully funded, this legislation aims to address health risks from heat-related illnesses and deaths in prisons, though advocates note that climate change may increase these dangers over time.

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San Antonio Express-News

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Texas House advances bill that would require A/C in prisons

7 days ago

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The Facts

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Bill requiring AC in all state prisons wins House passage

AUSTIN — The Texas House passed Friday a bill requiring prisons to have air conditioning by the end of 2032.

8 days ago

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KYTX

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Bill requiring air conditioning in all Texas prisons wins House approval

Texas House approves bill mandating air conditioning in prisons by 2032, targeting key areas for climate control, pending Senate approval.

8 days ago

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KXAN

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Tyler Morning Telegraph

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Bill requiring air conditioning in all Texas prisons wins preliminary House approval

AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — The Texas House gave preliminary approval Thursday to a bill requiring prisons to have air conditioning by the end of 2032. Lawmakers passed 89-43 House Bill 3006 by Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. If the Legislature or the federal government allocates funding, it will require the installation of climate control in phases to be completed by the end of 2032. The bill must go through one more round of approval in the House befo…

8 days ago·Austin, United States

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