Texas Senate Bill SB321

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB321 will alter existing operational protocols within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice by ensuring minimum temperature standards are observed. The bill's passage could lead to improved living conditions for inmates, aligning Texas facilities with broader standards of humane treatment. This change may necessitate updates to policy and infrastructure within correctional facilities to meet the new regulations, potentially incurring costs for compliance and necessitating budget reallocations.

Summary

SB321 seeks to establish specific temperature requirements for facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill mandates that these facilities maintain indoor temperatures within a range of no less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit and no more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This legislative push appears to be a response to concerns regarding the living conditions within Texas correctional facilities, particularly in light of reports that have highlighted issues of extreme temperatures impacting inmate health and wellbeing.

Contention

Historically, the topic of prison conditions has been contentious within the Texas legislative context, as stakeholders diverge on how best to balance public safety with humane treatment of incarcerated individuals. Critics of overly strict temperature regulations may argue that such bills could lead to increased costs or complicate operations within the Department of Criminal Justice. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of resources available to enforce these temperature guidelines consistently across various facilities.