A mock prison cell outside the Texas State Capitol building in Austin, Texas, is drawing attention to the scorching heat prisoners endure in Texas. Activists are demanding air conditioning in state prisons, highlighting the severe conditions that have led to numerous deaths. As summer temperatures spike, inmates face life-threatening conditions solely due to the heat. Calls for Action from Advocates Another year passes with no concrete steps taken by Texas lawmakers to address the lack of cooling systems in prisons. Despite a proposed $545 million allocation for air conditioning installation, the final budget fell short, leaving the issue unresolved. The House attempted to pass a bill mandating temperature control between 65 and 85 degrees, aligning with jails and federal facilities, but it did not progress in the Senate. The Cost of Inaction While some taxpayers may adopt a 'do the crime, do the time' stance, advocates argue that the state's expenses on wrongful death lawsuits far exceed the costs of implementing air conditioning in prisons. Reports of elevated violence and conflicts among inmates and guards in the oppressive heat further highlight the urgency for change. Federal Lawsuit Expansion This year, four nonprofit organizations have joined a federal lawsuit challenging the extreme heat conditions in Texas prisons. The lawsuit, initiated by Texas inmate Bernie Tiede following a medical emergency during a 110-degree ordeal, is gaining momentum with nonprofit support. Recent Developments As temperatures continue to climb due to climate change, Texas Public Radio revealed a 50% increase in the price of bottled water in prison commissaries last July. While inmates receive tap water and additional water during heatwaves, complaints of poor water quality persist. Current Conditions Reports from the Texas A&M University Hazard Reduction & Recovery Center documented temperatures as high as 149 degrees in Texas prisons during the summer of 2022. Despite challenges in tracking heat-related deaths, at least 41 fatalities were linked to uncooled prisons during a record-breaking heatwave in 2023. Texas is working towards enhancing cooling infrastructure, with 32 fully air-conditioned units, 55 partially cooled units, and ongoing construction and design for more air-conditioned beds. With the issue gaining traction, protesters are urging Governor Greg Abbott to prioritize addressing the pressing need for air conditioning in Texas state prisons.