Bill > HB489

This bill requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to maintain temperatures in all of its facilities within a specific range, with a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The legislation adds a new section to the Government Code mandating these temperature requirements, which aims to ensure humane living conditions for inmates. The bill provides TDCJ with a significant implementation timeline, allowing the department until September 1, 2026, to comply with the new temperature standards. The law itself will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving the agency ample time to make necessary infrastructure or operational adjustments to meet the temperature requirements in its correctional facilities across Texas. This bill appears to address concerns about temperature-related comfort and potential health risks in correctional settings by establishing clear, measurable environmental standards.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB489