Officials from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice have acknowledged that heat contributed to several inmate deaths, yet they dispute claims of widespread fatalities attributed to high temperatures.

Similar lawsuits are underway in other states, including Louisiana, where inmates face dangerous working conditions in extreme heat.

In Louisiana, a previous federal order aimed at improving working conditions in extreme heat has expired, leading to renewed legal action by inmates.

Lead attorney Jeff Edwards hailed the ruling as a victory for prison advocates, emphasizing the court's recognition of the unconstitutional treatment faced by inmates.

A federal judge recently ruled that extreme heat conditions in Texas prisons are unconstitutional, although the ruling did not mandate immediate air conditioning installation.

The lawsuit, initiated in 2023 by Bernie Tiede, a life-sentenced inmate, highlights severe health risks, including inmates resorting to desperate measures like faking suicide attempts to escape the oppressive heat.

Testimonies from former inmates reveal extreme conditions, with reports of temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting severe coping mechanisms to deal with the heat.

If the case proceeds to trial, there is a possibility that the state could face a court order to install air conditioning in the facilities.

Despite the acknowledgment of heat-related illnesses, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice maintains that they have implemented mitigation strategies to address the issue.

A 2022 study revealed that 13% of deaths in Texas prisons from 2001 to 2019 were linked to extreme heat, a trend that advocates warn could worsen due to climate change.

In response to these concerns, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has requested $118 million from lawmakers to install air conditioning for an additional 16,000 inmate beds.

As the Texas Legislature is currently in session, it is considering bills that would mandate air conditioning in prisons, although past complaints have not led to significant action.