From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 20s
Texas Prison AC Order Costs $1.5 Billion, Will Be Appealed
Federal judge orders Texas to install prison air conditioning by 2029, but state agency plans to appeal the $1.5 billion ruling.
In brief
Federal judge orders Texas to install prison air conditioning by 2029, but state agency plans to appeal the $1.5 billion ruling. Texas must install air conditioning in all prisons by 2029, but the state will appeal the court order. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Federal Ruling on Prison AC
A federal judge ordered Texas to install air conditioning in all prisons by 2029, ruling extreme heat violates constitutional protections.
“TDCJ has robust heat mitigation efforts in place to protect the safety of its population and staff.”
Texas Prison AC Cost Estimate
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice estimates systemwide air conditioning could cost $1.5 billion, but plans to appeal the ruling.
Current AC Status
As of September 1, one-third of Texas prisons have air conditioning, with 60,000 cooled beds expected by year-end and 90,000 by 2028.
Judge's Reasoning
Judge Pitman found Texas' existing heat measures insufficient, citing injuries, suffering, and deaths during extreme heat events.
Previous Ruling
In 2025, Judge Pitman ruled extreme heat in Texas prisons was likely unconstitutional but did not immediately order air conditioning.
TDCJ Appeal Plan
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice claims it has robust heat mitigation efforts, including cooled areas, water, and cooling towels.
Funding Discrepancy
TDCJ's budget request for AC installations is $289 million for 2028-29, but the agency previously estimated $774.3 million for the same period.
The main idea
Texas must install air conditioning in all prisons by 2029, but the state will appeal the court order.
