- United States
- Minn.
- Letter
The lack of air conditioning in Texas state prisons is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. It's concerning that while county jails are required to maintain temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees, state prisons are exempt from this obligation. This discrepancy has led to a lawsuit arguing that the absence of air conditioning constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. The lawsuit also accuses prison leaders of concealing evidence of inmate deaths caused by extreme heat. It's crucial to note that a previous suit resulted in the installation of air conditioning for elderly and medically vulnerable inmates. Therefore, it's requested that you support legislation to mandate air conditioning in all state prisons, ensuring the humane treatment of all inmates. This is not just about comfort, but about basic human rights and dignity.