Texas House Bill HB145

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/21/25

Caption

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

Impact

Once implemented, HB 145 will amend existing regulations concerning the operation of facilities under the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill allows for a grace period until September 1, 2026, before the Department is mandated to comply with these temperature regulations. Advocates believe that ensuring adequate temperature control will contribute to enhanced health and safety for inmates, ultimately promoting better overall conditions in correctional environments across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 145 aims to establish specific temperature requirements for facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill mandates that the temperature in these facilities be maintained at no less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit and no more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This measure is intended to ensure humane living conditions for individuals housed within such facilities, particularly during extreme weather conditions. The legislation seeks to set a standard for temperature management within state-operated correctional institutions, highlighting the importance of environmental conditions on inmate welfare.

Contention

Although the bill is centered around improving conditions, there may be challenges regarding its budget implications and the logistics of retrofitting existing facilities to comply with the new temperature standards. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the costs associated with implementing such regulations. Furthermore, there could be debates around the effectiveness and sustainability of ensuring these temperature standards are consistently maintained, given the variety of factors that influence facility management and state funding for corrections.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 501. Inmate Welfare
  • Section: New Section