Austin, Texas — In the midst of a scorching heat wave that has plagued Texas this summer, concerned family members of inmates are demanding that lawmakers take action to ensure that all state prisons are equipped with adequate air conditioning. The recent death of Jon Southards in the Estelle Unit prison has heightened concerns about the dangerous heat conditions endured by inmates. Advocates and critics have long criticized the lack of air conditioning in Texas prisons, pointing out that temperatures inside these facilities often exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius), leading to extensive prisoner deaths. Currently, only 30% of Texas’ prisons are fully air conditioned, leaving the majority with partial or no air conditioning. With over 128,000 inmates currently in the Texas prison system, the need for action is urgent.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) reports that there have been no heat-related deaths in state prisons since 2012. However, a study conducted by Brown, Boston, and Harvard universities suggests that 13% of deaths between 2001 and 2019 in prisons without air conditioning may be attributable to extreme heat. This indicates the necessity of implementing an air conditioning policy to protect the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals, who represent one of the most vulnerable populations.
Recent data analyzed by The Texas Tribune also highlights the severity of the situation. Since mid-June, at least nine prisoners have died from reported heart attacks or cardiac events in uncooled prisons with outdoor heat indices above 100 degrees. An additional 14 deaths from unknown causes have been reported in extreme heat, with prisoners frequently being found unresponsive in their cells by staff. Investigation into these deaths is ongoing, and the TDCJ maintains that it is premature to label them as heat-related.
The mother of Jon Southards recalls the distressing state of her son’s body, covered in a heat rash, during their last conversation before his death. He expressed his difficulty breathing in the stifling air of his cell and even resorted to drinking water from his toilet, as it provided cooler water than his sink. The impact of these conditions on both physical and mental health is devastating and demands immediate attention.
Texas is among the 13 states that have yet to implement universal air conditioning in state prisons. Democratic lawmakers, including State Rep. Carl Sherman, have made unsuccessful attempts to pass bills that would require full air conditioning in prisons. Sherman emphasizes that this is not a political issue but rather a matter of basic humanity and survival.
During the most recent legislative session, the Texas House proposed allocating over $343 million in funding for air conditioning installation, operating expenses, and maintenance in state prisons. However, the Senate declined to provide any funding despite a budget surplus of over $32 billion. This lack of action is inexcusable when considering the suffering endured by inmates in extreme heat conditions.
Family members and advocates are now urging Republican Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to address the issue and allocate funding for prison air conditioning. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as the well-being and lives of incarcerated individuals are at stake.
Sadly, this issue extends beyond the boundaries of Texas. In Las Vegas, where temperatures have recently reached 116 degrees, prisoners’ rights group Return Strong is drawing attention to the impact of extreme heat on incarcerated individuals. Even in Nevada, air conditioning in prisons is unreliable, leaving inmates to suffer in extremely hot temperatures. The need for reform and proper cooling measures in prisons is a pressing concern nationwide.
It is time for lawmakers and officials to acknowledge the gravity of this issue and take immediate action to protect vulnerable incarcerated individuals from the dangers of extreme heat. Each life lost is an avoidable tragedy that demands accountability and change.
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