Texas House Bill HB342

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the temperature at which a facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is maintained.

Impact

The envisioned impact of HB 342 is to improve the living standards for inmates by ensuring a controlled environment in correctional facilities. By instituting temperature requirements, the bill addresses potential concerns regarding the inhumane treatment of individuals in custody, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Therefore, this legislation can lead to broader discussions about the treatment of incarcerated individuals and the responsibilities of the state to uphold humane living conditions within its correctional institutions.

Summary

House Bill 342 aims to establish specific temperature standards for facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It mandates that the temperature within these facilities be maintained between a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This bill is significant in addressing the living conditions for individuals incarcerated in state facilities, aiming to ensure they are held in environments that are not extreme, which could have implications for their health and well-being.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of this bill, particularly related to the costs and logistics of maintaining these temperature standards across numerous state-operated facilities. Opponents might argue that the financial burden of updating heating and cooling systems could be significant, impacting the overall budget of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Additionally, there could be differing opinions on what constitutes an acceptable temperature range, with some advocating for even stricter controls to enhance living conditions further.