GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Heat in Georgia's prisons and what courts elsewhere have required ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-11-13 14:36:09 EST Research Date: 2026-11-11 Topic: Prison conditions JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/heat-in-georgias-prisons-and-what-courts-elsewhere-have-required/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- Heat conditions in Georgia prisons and what courts in other places have required. LEGAL FACTS (47) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Judge Jackson ruled against Angola Farm Line plaintiffs despite finding harsh heat conditions In a 60-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson ruled against the Angola Farm Line plaintiffs, stating his decision would have been different a few months earlier but a recent appeals court decision in a separate Angola civil rights case stayed his hand; he reluctantly found that Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections met the bar in the farm line case. Tags: legal,conditions,heat Sources: Louisiana wins suit over Angola ‘farm line’ working conditions - [confirmed] Georgia rule requires heat-exhaustion vigilance in hot weather Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-5-.04 (Work Conditions) requires that during hot weather all Correctional Officers and Supervisory personnel be particularly alert to early detection of heat exhaustion symptoms and prevention of heat exhaustion cases, and that new inmates and others not acclimated to the environment receive particular attention from supervisory personnel. Tags: conditions,policy,legal,medical Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-5-.04, Work Conditions - [reported] VOTE v. LeBlanc: court found dangerous heat but could not order fix due to Parker v. Hooper In the Angola 'farm line' case (VOTE v. LeBlanc), U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson ruled that prisoners face dangerously harsh conditions including laboring outdoors in extreme heat, but that he could not force the state to fix the problem because a recent Fifth Circuit ruling in Parker v. Hooper weakened the standard for proving cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Tags: legal,conditions,heat Sources: State wins lawsuit over Angola 'farm line' working conditions • Louisiana Illuminator - [confirmed] Fifth Circuit vacates Parker v. Hooper remedial order for PLRA narrowness failure In Parker v. Hooper (No. 23-30825), the Fifth Circuit sitting en banc held that the district court's Remedial Order must be vacated and remanded because it failed to apply the PLRA's needs-narrowness-intrusiveness standard. Date: 2026-03-30 Tags: legal,conditions,policy Sources: Case: 23-30825 Document: 279-1 Page: 1 Date Filed: 03/30/2026 - [confirmed] Cole v. Collier: Fifth Circuit affirms denial of Meeks intervention The Fifth Circuit's per curiam unpublished decision in Cole v. Collier, No. 18-20402, affirmed the district court's denial of James Meeks's motion to intervene and dismissed for want of jurisdiction his challenge to the class settlement agreement, because Meeks was not a member of the class and the settlement agreement did not prohibit him from pursuing his own claims independently. Date: 2018-12-18 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Case: 18-20402 Document: 00514766167 Page: 1 Date Filed: 12/18/2018 - [reported] Federal judge rules Texas prison heat 'plainly unconstitutional' but declines immediate AC order In March 2025, a federal judge ruled that extreme heat in Texas prisons is 'plainly unconstitutional,' but declined to order immediate air conditioning, reasoning the work could not be completed within the court order's 90-day window and that temporary systems might delay a permanent fix. Date: 2025-03-01 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline - [confirmed] Gates v. Cook: Parchman death row lacked heat relief at 90+ heat index In Gates v. Cook, the trial court found that Mississippi death row inmates at Parchman's death row unit were not afforded extra showers, ice water, or fans (for those without fans) when the heat index was 90 or above. Date: 2004-01-01 Tags: legal,heat,conditions,solitary Sources: Gates v. Cook, 376 F.3d 323 (5th Cir. 2004) - [reported] Ball v. LeBlanc: court ordered Angola death row heat index at or below 88°F On December 19, 2013, the Ball v. LeBlanc district court (Judge Brian A. Jackson) ordered defendants to immediately develop a plan to reduce and maintain the heat index in the Angola death row tiers at or below 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Date: 2013-12-19 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: Ball v. LeBlanc 3:13-cv-00368 (M.D. La.) | Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [confirmed] Gates v. Cook underlying district court decision cited as Russell v. Johnson Gates v. Cook cites the underlying district court decision as Russell v. Johnson, 2003 WL 22208029 (N.D. Miss. 2003). Date: 2003-01-01 Tags: legal Sources: Gates v. Cook, 376 F.3d 323 (5th Cir. 2004) - [reported] June 2010 settlement closed Parchman Unit 32 supermax A settlement agreement was reached in June 2010 to close the Unit 32 supermax unit at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman, providing for the dismissal of a lawsuit that challenged conditions there. Date: 2010-01-01 Tags: legal,solitary,conditions,facilities Sources: Mississippi DOC Closes Unit 32 - [reported] Ball v. LeBlanc: Third Plan triggered when heat index exceeded 88°F On December 22, 2016, the Ball v. LeBlanc district court ordered defendants to implement remedial measures described as the 'Third Plan' whenever the heat index exceeded 88 degrees in the plaintiffs' death row tiers; defendants appealed, arguing the district court violated the Fifth Circuit's July 8, 2015 judgment. Date: 2016-12-22 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Ball v. LeBlanc 3:13-cv-00368 (M.D. La.) | Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [confirmed] Chandler v. Crosby: Eleventh Circuit rejected Florida heat Eighth Amendment claim In Chandler v. Crosby, a 2000 lawsuit filed by Florida death row inmates, the Eleventh Circuit three-judge panel rejected claims that high temperatures in Florida prisons amounted to cruel and unusual punishment, writing that the heat was 'not unconstitutionally excessive' and noting the district court found the building mass remained at a relatively constant temperature between approximately eighty degrees at night and approximately eighty-five or eighty-six degrees during the day. Date: 2000-01-01 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: People incarcerated in Alabama's prisons face heat dangers as hot weather continues | Alabama Reflector - [reported] Fifth Circuit held heat index portion of Third Plan violated prior judgment The Fifth Circuit held that the 'heat index' part of the Third Plan in Ball v. LeBlanc violated the Fifth Circuit's prior judgment. Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Ball v. LeBlanc 3:13-cv-00368 (M.D. La.) | Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [reported] Fifth Circuit dismissed TDCJ executives' interlocutory immunity appeal in Webb/Togonidze In the Webb/Togonidze appeal, the Fifth Circuit held it lacked jurisdiction over the TDCJ executives' interlocutory appeal of the district court's order deferring the qualified-immunity ruling and ordering limited discovery, and dismissed the appeal. Date: 2015-07-17 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Webb v. Livingston, 618 F. App'x 201 (5th Cir. 2015) - [confirmed] Chandler v. Crosby: Eighth Amendment heat claim requires unreasonable risk of serious damage In Chandler v. Crosby, the Eleventh Circuit held that to satisfy the objective component of an Eighth Amendment conditions-of-confinement claim regarding prison heat, a prisoner must show that the condition poses an unreasonable risk of serious damage to his future health or safety, and that extreme deprivations are required. Date: 2004-08-06 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Chandler v. Crosby, 379 F.3d 1278 (11th Cir. 2004) - [reported] Fifth Circuit: right to be free from extreme temperatures clearly established in 2011 The Fifth Circuit in Webb/Togonidze held that a prisoner's right to be free from extreme temperatures was clearly established in 2011. Date: 2011-01-01 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Webb v. Livingston, 618 F. App'x 201 (5th Cir. 2015) - [confirmed] Chandler v. Crosby: cooling and ventilation are interrelated for Eighth Amendment purposes In Chandler v. Crosby, the Eleventh Circuit held that cooling and ventilation, though distinct prison conditions, are interrelated and in most excessive-heat cases will be almost inseparable for Eighth Amendment purposes. Date: 2004-08-06 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Chandler v. Crosby, 379 F.3d 1278 (11th Cir. 2004) - [reported] Rutledge v. Sansing summary judgment rulings In Rutledge v. Sansing, the court granted the Correctional Wardens' motion for summary judgment and Billy Kennedy's motion for summary judgment, but denied the Correctional Officers' motion for summary judgment and Kristi Sansing's motion for summary judgment, dismissing the claims against Kennedy, Warden Morgan, and Warden Peters with prejudice. Date: 2024-08-15 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Rutledge v. Sansing, 2024-08-15 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Florida Justice Institute 2024 suit alleges Dade CI heat contributed to inmate deaths In late 2024, the Florida Justice Institute filed a federal lawsuit alleging that conditions at Dade Correctional Institution contributed to the deaths of multiple inmates and exposed others, particularly elderly and medically vulnerable people, to unconstitutional heat. The suit argues the lack of air conditioning and insufficient ventilation violate the Eighth Amendment, the ADA, and the Rehabilitation Act. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,conditions,death,medical Sources: Left in the heat, Florida Politics, 2026 - [reported] Texas regulates jail internal temperature to 65-85°F Texas regulates the internal temperature of jails to stay between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Tags: heat,policy,legal Sources: Provision of Air Conditioning and Heat-Related Mortality in Texas Prisons, JAMA Network Open, November 2022 - [reported] Ball v. LeBlanc conditionally dismissed and placed on inactive docket April 2019 The district court in Ball v. LeBlanc ordered the case conditionally dismissed and placed on the inactive docket pending the defendants' substantial compliance with the settlement agreement, by order signed April 18, 2019 (Judge Brian A. Jackson). Date: 2019-04-18 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Ball v. LeBlanc, 2019-04-18 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Chandler v. Crosby: prisoner may claim deficiency in cooling, ventilation, or both In Chandler v. Crosby, the Eleventh Circuit held that although cooling and ventilation are distinct prison conditions, they are interrelated and a prisoner may state an Eighth Amendment claim alleging a deficiency as to either or both in combination. Date: 2004-08-06 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Chandler v. Crosby, 379 F.3d 1278 (11th Cir. 2004) - [reported] Bibiano v. Garrett dismissed with prejudice March 2026 The Bibiano v. Garrett case was dismissed with prejudice by order signed March 23, 2026 (Judge Dudley H. Bowen), with each party to bear its own costs. Date: 2026-03-23 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Bibiano v. Garrett, 2026-03-23 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit's Chandler v. Crosby set 'high bar' for prison heat claims An N.D. Georgia order in Jenkins v. DeKalb County (2007-11-16) cited Chandler v. Crosby, 379 F.3d 1278, 1298 (11th Cir. 2004), as an example of the 'high bar' for demonstrating a substantial risk of serious injury in Eleventh Circuit Eighth Amendment conditions-of-confinement cases, noting the holding that allegations of extreme summer heat in prison failed to meet that bar. Date: 2007-11-16 Tags: legal,conditions,heat Sources: Jenkins v. DeKalb County, Ga., N.D. Ga., 2007-11-16 - [reported] Federal judge certified class of more than 1,500 Florida inmates in heat suit In September, a federal judge certified a class action allowing more than 1,500 inmates to collectively challenge Florida prison heat conditions they say increase the risk of illness and death. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Left in the heat, Florida Politics, 2026 - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 15-12-78: grand juries must recommend jail heating/ventilation O.C.G.A. § 15-12-78 requires county grand juries, on inspecting county jails, to make recommendations necessary to provide for the proper heating and ventilation of the jails, which the county governing authorities must strictly enforce. Tags: legal,conditions,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-12-78 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [confirmed] Fifth Circuit dismissed Hinojosa interlocutory appeal for lack of jurisdiction In Hinojosa v. Livingston, the Fifth Circuit held it lacked jurisdiction over the interlocutory appeal and dismissed it, because the district court's order deferring its qualified-immunity ruling and ordering limited discovery complied with circuit precedent. Date: 2015-11-18 Tags: legal,heat Sources: Hinojosa v. Livingston, 807 F.3d 657 (5th Cir. 2015) - [confirmed] Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act introduced (H.R. 9591) The Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act was introduced by Ms. Adams for herself and cosponsors including Mrs. McBath and Mr. Johnson of Georgia, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,conditions Sources: H.R. 9591 (IH) - Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act of 2026 - BILLS-119hr9591ih | Content Details | GovInfo; Reps. Adams, McBath Introduce Landmark Legislation to Address Extreme Temperatures in Prisons | Congresswoman Alma Adams - [reported] Fifth Circuit affirmed Eighth Amendment violation in Ball v. LeBlanc but found PLRA overreach In Ball v. LeBlanc, a Fifth Circuit panel held that an Eighth Amendment violation had occurred regarding death row inmates housed in cells without air conditioning and that injunctive relief was appropriate, but that the district court had exceeded the bounds of the Prison Litigation Reform Act and Gates v. Cook, 376 F.3d 323, 339–40. Date: 2018-01-31 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Ball v. LeBlanc, No. 17-30052 (5th Cir. 2018) :: Justia - [reported] Bill would fund climate control in all federal prisons within 5 years The Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act will authorize funding for climate control system installation and upgrades in all federal prisons within five years, with temperature monitors in every cell and workspace. Tags: legal,policy,conditions Sources: Reps. Adams, McBath Introduce Landmark Legislation to Address Extreme Temperatures in Prisons | Congresswoman Alma Adams - [reported] Cole v. Collier (filed 2014) cited nearly two dozen heat-stroke deaths over two decades The Cole v. Collier lawsuit, filed in 2014, cited nearly two dozen prisoners who died from heat stroke in the prior two decades and temperatures at the Wallace Pack Unit that routinely exceeded safe levels. Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: legal,heat,death Sources: Judge approves settlement mandating air conditioning at hot Texas prison - The Texas Tribune - [confirmed] Ball v. LeBlanc: Fifth Circuit affirmed Eighth Amendment violation for Louisiana death row heat In Ball v. LeBlanc, the Fifth Circuit affirmed that housing Louisiana death row prisoners in very hot cells without sufficient access to heat-relief measures, while knowing each suffers from conditions rendering him extremely vulnerable to serious heat-related injury, violates the Eighth Amendment. Date: 2015-07-08 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Case: 14-30067 Document: 00513108060 Page: 1 Date Filed: 07/08/2015 - [confirmed] Ball v. LeBlanc: PLRA does not entitle plaintiffs to most effective remedy, so AC injunction rejected The Fifth Circuit held that the district court's injunction in Ball v. LeBlanc violated the Prison Litigation Reform Act because it ordered air conditioning, a type of relief unnecessary to correct the Eighth Amendment violation; under the PLRA, plaintiffs are entitled to a remedy that eliminates the constitutional injury, not the most effective available remedy. Date: 2015-07-08 Tags: legal,conditions,policy Sources: Case: 14-30067 Document: 00513108060 Page: 1 Date Filed: 07/08/2015 - [confirmed] Ball v. LeBlanc: facility-wide injunction overbroad; relief could target three plaintiffs The Fifth Circuit in Ball v. LeBlanc found the district court's facility-wide injunction overbroad because it would be possible to provide relief, including air conditioning, solely to the three individual plaintiffs rather than throughout death row; defendants acknowledged plaintiffs could be placed in cells next to the officers' pod, which are cooler. Date: 2015-07-08 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Case: 14-30067 Document: 00513108060 Page: 1 Date Filed: 07/08/2015 - [confirmed] Blackmon v. Garza: Fifth Circuit reversed judgment for officials and remanded for new trial on heat deliberate indifference In Blackmon v. Garza (Warden Kukua), the Fifth Circuit reversed a district court's judgment as a matter of law for prison officials and remanded for a new trial, holding a reasonable jury could find deliberate indifference to heat conditions at the Garza East Unit. Date: 2012-07-30 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Blackmon v. Garza, 484 F. App'x 866 (5th Cir. 2012) - [reported] Fifth Circuit limited Angola Farm Line heat order to named plaintiffs The Fifth Circuit in the Farm Line case found that the last three parts of Judge Jackson's five-part order went too far because they focused on all Louisiana DOC prisoners rather than just the Farm Line plaintiffs, granting relief beyond the parties in the case. Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Fifth Circuit appeals court sides with Angola’s Farm Line workers | The Lens - [reported] Texas jail temperature standard 65-85°F does not apply to state prisons Texas regulates the internal temperature of jails to stay between 65 and 85°F, but these same standards do not apply to Texas state and private prisons. Tags: legal,policy,conditions Sources: Provision of Air Conditioning and Heat-Related Mortality in Texas Prisons | Environmental Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network - [reported] Fifth Circuit ordered Louisiana DOC to fix heat policy deficiencies for Farm Line workers The Fifth Circuit told the Louisiana Department of Corrections it must comply with the district court's earlier order to correct deficiencies in its heat-related policies for Angola Farm Line workers, finding that working long hours in the summer sun without shade, sufficient rest, or adequate protective equipment poses serious health risks. Tags: legal,conditions,policy Sources: Fifth Circuit appeals court sides with Angola’s Farm Line workers | The Lens - [reported] Farm Line plaintiffs sought work halt at 88-degree heat index; judge stopped short of hottest-day halt The Farm Line plaintiffs requested that the court halt Farm Line work whenever the heat index reached or exceeded 88 degrees, and District Judge Brian Jackson of the Middle District of Louisiana ruled in their favor, though he stopped short of requiring the Farm Line to stop on the hottest days. Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Fifth Circuit appeals court sides with Angola’s Farm Line workers | The Lens - [reported] Judge Pitman declined immediate statewide AC, citing hundreds of millions to billions in cost Judge Pitman declined to order temporary air conditioning installed in all Texas prisons, noting it would take hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars to install permanent air conditioning in every facility and that ordering temporary air conditioning then would divert significant limited resources. Tags: legal,budget,heat Sources: Federal judge says heat in Texas prisons is unconstitutional, KUT, March 26, 2025 - [confirmed] Cole v. Collier: Judge Ellison granted preliminary injunction July 19, 2017 On July 19, 2017, Judge Ellison granted the Cole v. Collier preliminary injunction in a 100-page opinion stating, '[p]risoners are human beings with spouses and children who worry about them and miss them.' Date: 2017-07-19 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Cole v. Collier, Case No. 4:14-cv-01698 (S.D. Tex.), Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [confirmed] Cole v. Collier: March 23, 2018 order required Pack Unit heat index no greater than 88 degrees On March 23, 2018, Judge Ellison extended the Cole v. Collier preliminary injunction requiring TDCJ to maintain a heat index at the Pack Unit housing areas no greater than 88 degrees. Date: 2018-03-23 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: Cole v. Collier, Case No. 4:14-cv-01698 (S.D. Tex.), Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [confirmed] Cole v. Collier settlement required summer AC, transfer/transport AC, and $4.5 million in fees The Cole v. Collier settlement would require the prison to ensure air conditioning for class members during summer months, guarantee air conditioning if class members were moved to other units and while being transported in vehicles, and included $4.5 million for attorney's fees and costs. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: legal,conditions,budget Sources: Cole v. Collier, Case No. 4:14-cv-01698 (S.D. Tex.), Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [reported] Federal judge ordered Texas to air condition all prisons by end of 2029 A federal judge ordered Texas to air condition all of the state's lockups, which the prison agency said could cost $1.5 billion, by the end of 2029. Tags: legal,budget,heat Sources: Texas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029 - [confirmed] Cole v. Collier: Judge Ellison approved settlement June 8, 2018, retaining jurisdiction On June 8, 2018, Judge Ellison entered an order approving the Cole v. Collier settlement agreement, despite multiple filed objections. The court retained jurisdiction on all matters pertaining to the settlement agreement. Date: 2018-06-08 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Cole v. Collier, Case No. 4:14-cv-01698 (S.D. Tex.), Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [reported] Judge Pitman found non-AC Texas prisons violate Eighth Amendment; ordered plan by Dec 31, 2029 U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman found that conditions in Texas prisons without air conditioning violate the Eighth Amendment and that TDCJ's current response to extreme heat is insufficient, ordering the agency to implement a plan to add air conditioning in every Texas prison no later than Dec. 31, 2029. Tags: legal,heat Sources: Texas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029 - [confirmed] Cole v. Collier plaintiffs sought May 1, 2017 injunction to cap Pack Unit at 88 degrees and require heat wave policy On May 1, 2017, the Cole v. Collier plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction ordering TDCJ to lower temperatures inside the Pack Unit to 88 degrees and to develop a heat wave policy. Date: 2017-05-01 Tags: legal,conditions,policy Sources: Cole v. Collier, Case No. 4:14-cv-01698 (S.D. Tex.), Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse STATISTICS (45) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] TDCJ cool beds available as of Sept. 1 As of Sept. 1, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice reported that 53,676 cool beds were available in its prisons, leaving nearly 90,000 incarcerated people in sweltering conditions. Value: 53676.0 cool beds Tags: conditions,facilities,policy Sources: Texas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029 - [reported] Extreme heat day associated with 3.5% mortality increase in U.S. prisons In a national case-crossover study of heat-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons, an extreme heat day was associated with a 3.5% increase in total mortality (95% CI: -1.2%, 8.3%). Value: 3.5 percent increase in mortality Tags: death,conditions,medical Sources: Heat-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons: A case-crossover analysis | PLOS One - [reported] Only 3 of 35 Georgia prisons fully air-conditioned (Feb 2024) SCHR reported that GDC documents from February 2024 showed only three of 35 prisons had air conditioning throughout the entirety of the prison. Value: 3.0 prisons (vs. 35 total prisons) Date: 2024-02-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,policy Sources: A Matter of Life and Death: As Temperatures Soar, People Incarcerated in Georgia’s Prisons Endure Cruel and Possibly Deadly Conditions – Southern Center for Human Rights - [estimated] Nearly 90,000 Texas prisoners without cool beds With 53,676 cool beds available as of Sept. 1, nearly 90,000 incarcerated people in Texas prisons remained in sweltering conditions. Value: 90000.0 people Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Texas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029 - [reported] Two-day heatwave associated with 5.5% mortality increase in U.S. prisons A two-day heatwave was associated with a 5.5% increase in total mortality (95% CI: 0.3%, 11%) in U.S. state and private prisons, per the national case-crossover study. Value: 5.5 percent increase in mortality Tags: death,conditions,medical Sources: Heat-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons: A case-crossover analysis | PLOS One - [reported] Three-day heatwave associated with 7.4% mortality increase in U.S. prisons A three-day heatwave was associated with a 7.4% increase in total mortality (95% CI: 1.6%, 14%) in U.S. state and private prisons, per the national case-crossover study. Value: 7.4 percent increase in mortality Tags: death,conditions,medical Sources: Heat-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons: A case-crossover analysis | PLOS One - [reported] 10°F temperature increase associated with 5.2% mortality increase at lag 0 At lag 0, a 10°F increase in temperature was associated with a 5.2% increase in total mortality (95% CI: 1.5%, 9.0%) in U.S. state and private prisons. Value: 5.2 percent increase in mortality per 10°F Tags: death,conditions,medical Sources: Heat-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons: A case-crossover analysis | PLOS One - [reported] Just over a third of TDCJ facilities fully air conditioned Just over a third of TDCJ's 104 facilities were fully air conditioned as of Sept. 1. Value: 104.0 facilities Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Texas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029 - [reported] Texas building 12,827 cool beds and procuring 7,162 more as of August 1 The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, as of August 1, 2025, was building 12,827 'cool beds' (prison cells in air-conditioned units) and was in the process of procuring an additional 7,162, according to its dashboard. Value: 12827.0 cool beds (vs. 7162 additional cool beds being procured) Date: 2025-08-01 Tags: facilities,conditions,operations Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline - [reported] North Carolina air-conditioning status: 33 fully, 17 partially, 4 none of 54 prisons In North Carolina, corrections officials are working toward a goal of installing air conditioning in all 54 state prisons by 2026. To date, 33 facilities are fully air-conditioned, 17 are partially air-conditioned, and four have no air conditioning, according to its dashboard. Value: 33.0 facilities fully air-conditioned (vs. 54 total state prisons targeted by 2026) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: facilities,conditions,policy Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline - [reported] TDCJ request adds more than 15,700 air-conditioned beds TDCJ's $298 million two-year budget request would add more than 15,700 air-conditioned beds. Value: 15700.0 beds Tags: conditions,facilities,budget Sources: Texas prisons seek $298 million to air condition hot lockups - [confirmed] FY2026 budget: $2,601,532 for HVAC 'tiger teams' Georgia's FY2026 budget recommendation for the Department of Corrections' State Prisons program included $2,601,532 to increase funds for skilled craftsman 'tiger teams' focused on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fabrication needs in facilities. Value: 2601532.0 USD Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: HB 68 (FY2026) Criminal Justice and Public Safety budget, Georgia General Assembly; Budget in Brief, fy 2026 budget brief - [reported] Prison Policy Initiative 2019: 13 states including Georgia lack integrated central air conditioning in prisons According to a policy brief published by the Prison Policy Initiative in 2019, 13 states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia, do not have integrated central air conditioning within their prison facilities. Value: 13.0 states Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,policy Sources: People incarcerated in Alabama's prisons face heat dangers as hot weather continues | Alabama Reflector - [reported] At least 44 states lack universal prison air conditioning (2022 USA Today analysis) At least 44 states lack universal air conditioning within their prison facilities, even in regions known for sweltering summer temperatures, according to a 2022 USA Today analysis; a Reuters investigation found that nearly half of state prisons across 29 states have partial or no air conditioning. Value: 44.0 states Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: heat,conditions,facilities Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges and pressure to states | PBS News - [reported] Nearly two-thirds of Texas' 104 prisons not fully air conditioned Nearly two-thirds of Texas' 104 prisons are not fully air conditioned, and TDCJ's $298 million request puts it far behind its own outlined phase-one schedule, signaling to inmate advocates that the agency is still not treating extreme prison heat as an emergency. Value: 104.0 prisons Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Texas prisons seek $298 million to air condition hot lockups - [reported] AFY2025 budget: $651,822 for HVAC 'tiger teams' Georgia's AFY2025 budget recommendation for the Department of Corrections' State Prisons program included $651,822 to provide funds for skilled craftsman 'tiger teams' focused on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fabrication needs in facilities. Value: 651822.0 USD Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: Budget in Brief, fy 2026 budget brief - [reported] North Carolina prison AC status: 33 full, 17 partial, 4 none of 54 In North Carolina, corrections officials are working toward installing air conditioning in all 54 state prisons by 2026; to date 33 facilities are fully air-conditioned, 17 are partially air-conditioned, and four have no air conditioning, according to its dashboard. Value: 54.0 prisons Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: heat,conditions,facilities Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges and pressure to states | PBS News - [disputed] Tiede lawsuit alleges at least 10 heat-related deaths 2023-2025 The Tiede lawsuit alleged that at least 10 inmates died from heat-related reasons in the summers between 2023 and 2025; TDCJ disputes this figure, attributing some deaths to drug overdoses or other medical conditions. Value: 10.0 deaths Tags: death,conditions,legal,drugs Sources: Texas prisons seek $298 million to air condition hot lockups - [reported] 915,627 people (45% of incarcerated population) in 1,739 facilities with rising hazardous-heat days In 2018, 915,627 people in the United States, 45% of the estimated total incarcerated population, were housed in 1,739 carceral facilities with an annual increase in the number of days per year WBGT max exceeded 28°C during 1982-2020. Value: 915627.0 people (vs. 45 percent of estimated total incarcerated population) Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,demographics Sources: Hazardous heat exposure among incarcerated people in the United States | Nature Sustainability - [reported] FY2026 budget: $1,022,013 for lock-repair 'tiger team' A Georgia General Assembly House budget document for the FY2026 general budget bill includes a separate $1,022,013 state general funds line to increase funds for a 'tiger team' to support the existing Georgia Department of Corrections locking team to address repairs needed on facility locks, locking controls, and security electronics. Value: 1022013.0 USD Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: HB 68 (FY2026) Criminal Justice and Public Safety budget, Georgia General Assembly - [confirmed] Texas study: 271 deaths (13% of mortality) attributable to extreme heat, 2001-2019 A case-crossover study found that 13% of mortality, or 271 deaths, may be attributed to extreme heat during warm months in Texas prisons without universal air conditioning between 2001 and 2019. Value: 271.0 deaths (vs. 13 percent of mortality) Tags: heat,death,conditions Sources: Provision of Air Conditioning and Heat-Related Mortality in Texas Prisons, JAMA Network Open, November 2022 - [reported] 10-degree temperature rise linked to 6.7% increase in heart disease deaths among incarcerated people A study of prison mortality data between 2001 and 2019 published in March in the Public Library of Science found that a 10-degree increase in temperature leads to an average 6.7% increase in deaths from heart disease for incarcerated people. Value: 6.7 percent increase in heart disease deaths (vs. 10 degrees temperature increase) Tags: death,medical,conditions Sources: People incarcerated in Alabama's prisons face heat dangers as hot weather continues | Alabama Reflector - [confirmed] Each 1°F above 85°F heat index raised daily mortality risk 0.7% in non-AC Texas prisons In the case-crossover study of 3464 deaths in Texas prisons, a 1-degree increase above 85°F heat index in prisons without air conditioning was associated with a 0.7% increase in the risk of daily mortality. Value: 0.7 percent increase in daily mortality risk per 1°F above 85°F Tags: heat,death,conditions Sources: Provision of Air Conditioning and Heat-Related Mortality in Texas Prisons, JAMA Network Open, November 2022 - [reported] Suicide deaths rose 22% for up to three days after a single extreme heat day in prisons According to the same prison mortality study, suicide deaths increased an average of 22% for up to three days after incarcerated people endured a single day of extremely high temperatures. Value: 22.0 percent increase in suicide deaths Tags: death,mental_health,conditions Sources: People incarcerated in Alabama's prisons face heat dangers as hot weather continues | Alabama Reflector - [confirmed] Texas warm-month deaths: 2083 in non-AC prisons vs 1381 in AC prisons, 2001-2019 There were 2083 deaths in Texas prisons without air conditioning and 1381 deaths in Texas prisons with air conditioning during warm months from 2001 to 2019. Value: 2083.0 deaths (vs. 1381 deaths in prisons with AC) Tags: heat,death,conditions Sources: Provision of Air Conditioning and Heat-Related Mortality in Texas Prisons, JAMA Network Open, November 2022 - [reported] Florida DOC Secretary testified roughly 75% of prison housing units lack air conditioning Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon previously testified that roughly 75% of the state's prison housing units are not air-conditioned. Value: 75.0 percent of housing units Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Left in the heat, Florida Politics, 2026 - [reported] Texas state prisons hold approximately 160,000 people The study's findings have implications for the approximately 160,000 individuals held in Texas state prisons. Value: 160000.0 people Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: Provision of Air Conditioning and Heat-Related Mortality in Texas Prisons, JAMA Network Open, November 2022 - [reported] Florida approved $300,000 pilot for AC in dorms at three Miami-Dade facilities Florida lawmakers approved $300,000 for a pilot program to install air conditioning units in dorms at three Miami-Dade correctional facilities. Value: 300000.0 dollars Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: budget,policy,conditions Sources: Left in the heat, Florida Politics, 2026 - [reported] More than two-thirds of Texas' 100 prisons lack AC in most living areas More than two-thirds of Texas' 100 prisons do not have air conditioning in most living areas, forcing thousands of prison officers and tens of thousands of prisoners to work and live in sweltering conditions. Value: 100.0 prisons Tags: conditions,facilities,staffing Sources: Despite budget surplus, Texas Legislature makes little money available for prison air conditioning – Houston Public Media; Texas Legislature offers no money specifically for prison air conditioning - [reported] Hinojosa complaint alleged 13 other heat-related deaths in TDCJ prisons from 2007 to 2012 The Hinojosa complaint alleged that from 2007 until Hinojosa's death, thirteen other men had died from heat-related causes in TDCJ prisons. Value: 13.0 deaths Tags: heat,death Sources: Hinojosa v. Livingston, 807 F.3d 657 (5th Cir. 2015) - [reported] National Weather Service extreme heat warning for Lowndes County: heat indexes 113-118 degrees The SCHR letter cited the National Weather Service issuing an extreme heat warning for Lowndes County, where Valdosta State Prison is located, noting that heat indexes could reach between 113 and 118 degrees. Value: 113.0 degrees Fahrenheit (heat index low) (vs. 118 degrees Fahrenheit (heat index high)) Date: 2026-08-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: October 1, 2026 - [reported] More than two-thirds of Texas prison cells lack air conditioning More than two-thirds of prison cells in Texas lack air conditioning. Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Deadly heat in Texas prisons sounds 'cruel and unusual.' Why is it still happening? | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station - [reported] As of 2015, 22 states lacked prison temperature-regulation policies As of 2015, 22 states lacked policies on temperature regulation in prison facilities; of the 28 states with policies, only 17 states specified allowable temperature ranges, and even fewer specified how these ranges would be enforced. Value: 22.0 states without temperature policies (vs. 17 states specifying allowable temperature ranges) Date: 2015-01-01 Tags: policy,conditions Sources: An Overlooked Crisis: Extreme Temperature Exposures in Incarceration Settings | AJPH | Vol. 110 Issue S1 - [reported] BOP: 122 facilities, 138,000 incarcerated, 34,000 staff Across all 122 BOP facilities, there are more than 138,000 incarcerated people and roughly 34,000 BOP employees who live and work in these conditions every day. Value: 122.0 facilities (vs. 138000 incarcerated people) Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: Reps. Adams, McBath Introduce Landmark Legislation to Address Extreme Temperatures in Prisons | Congresswoman Alma Adams - [reported] At least 23 Texas prisoners died from excessive heat, 1998-2014 Between 1998 and 2014, at least 23 Texas prisoners died due to excessive heat in housing units and transport buses, and most Texas state prisons are not air conditioned. Value: 23.0 deaths Tags: heat,death,transfers Sources: Texas Prison Air Conditioning Costs Much Lower than Expected - [reported] Westlaw search returned over 1,200 Eighth Amendment temperature cases, 1980–2019 The AJPH editorial's Westlaw search of Eighth Amendment temperature-condition cases from 1980 to 2019 returned more than 1,200 cases; a random sample of 100 covered 29 states, with the majority occurring after the year 2000 (75%). Value: 1200.0 cases (vs. 75 percent of sampled cases after 2000) Tags: legal,conditions Sources: An Overlooked Crisis: Extreme Temperature Exposures in Incarceration Settings | AJPH | Vol. 110 Issue S1 - [estimated] About 13% of warm-month Texas prison deaths attributable to extreme heat Approximately 13% of deaths in Texas prisons during warm months between 2001 and 2019 may be attributable to extreme heat days, per the JAMA Network Open case-crossover study. Value: 13.0 percent Tags: death,conditions Sources: Provision of Air Conditioning and Heat-Related Mortality in Texas Prisons | Environmental Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network - [reported] Texas study: ~13% of prison deaths linked to extreme heat A 2022 study reported that approximately 13 percent of deaths in Texas prisons between 2001 and 2019 may be attributed to extreme heat days, with an average of 14 inmate deaths per year in facilities without air conditioning. Value: 13.0 percent (vs. 14 average deaths per year in facilities without AC) Tags: death,conditions Sources: The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro - [reported] Almost 90% of state prison deaths illness-related; cancer 30%, heart disease 26% Almost 90% of deaths in state prison facilities are illness related, with the two leading reported causes being cancer (30%) and heart disease (26%), both of which are affected by extreme temperature exposure, per the AJPH editorial. Value: 90.0 percent of deaths illness-related (vs. 30 percent cancer) Tags: death,medical,conditions Sources: An Overlooked Crisis: Extreme Temperature Exposures in Incarceration Settings | AJPH | Vol. 110 Issue S1 - [reported] Cold-related prison mortality study: 18,578 deaths across 945 facilities, 2001-2019 In the cold-related mortality study, heart disease accounted for 27% of deaths, respiratory disease for 6.3%, and suicide 6.1%, with influenza accounting for 29% of all respiratory disease deaths, among 18,578 deaths from 945 unique state or private prison facilities during cold months between 2001 and 2019. Value: 18578.0 deaths (vs. 945 unique facilities) Tags: death,medical,facilities Sources: Cold-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons: a case-crossover analysis - PMC - [reported] Cold-month prison deaths were 96% male and 96% in state-operated prisons In the cold-related mortality study, the majority of the 18,578 deaths during cold months were male (96%) and housed in a state-operated prison (96%). Value: 96.0 percent male (vs. 96 percent housed in state-operated prison) Tags: death,demographics,facilities Sources: Cold-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons: a case-crossover analysis - PMC - [reported] Just over 80% of federal prisons have universal AC; only five states fully cool housing Grist's investigation found that just over 80 percent of federal prisons have universal air conditioning, and only five states provide air conditioning in all prison housing units. Value: 80.0 percent Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: As climate change worsens, deadly prison heat is increasingly an everywhere problem | Grist - [reported] At least 44 states lack universal prison air conditioning (2022 USA Today) A 2022 USA Today analysis found at least 44 U.S. states lack universal air conditioning within their prison facilities, even in regions known for sweltering summer temperatures. Value: 44.0 states Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline - [reported] At least 41 Texas prisoners died during 2023 heat wave (Texas Tribune analysis) A Texas Tribune analysis found that at least 41 incarcerated people died during a record-breaking heat wave in Texas prisons in 2023. Value: 41.0 deaths Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: death,conditions Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline - [reported] Nearly 13,000 summer prison deaths 2001-2019, almost half in the South Between 2001 and 2019, nearly 13,000 people died in prison during the summer months, almost half of them in the South, according to a 2023 PLOS One study, which did not determine how many were heat-related. Value: 13000.0 deaths Tags: death,conditions,demographics Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline FINDINGS (30) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Virginia bill to cap prison cell temperatures at 80 degrees vetoed by Gov. Youngkin Virginia lawmakers approved a bill that would have required the state corrections department to install heat and air conditioning in its prisons and ensure cell temperatures not exceed 80 degrees, but Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed it, citing installation cost and operational burdens. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,conditions,facilities Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline - [reported] Valdosta State Prison temperatures can exceed 100 degrees without air conditioning A Southern Center for Human Rights letter to GDC officials said temperatures at Valdosta State Prison can exceed 100 degrees with no air conditioning, and that cells are infested with mold and vermin. Tags: conditions,facilities,heat Sources: AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report - [reported] Judge Pitman finds Lumpkin deliberate indifference on prison AC Judge Pitman stated that TDCJ Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin's failure to enact a meaningful, committed plan to install air conditioning on the timeline TDCJ repeatedly indicated is possible was deliberate indifference in the face of clear evidence of risk, including ongoing injuries, deaths, and suffering every summer. Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: Texas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029 - [reported] SCHR: 'ice calls' are inadequate temporary fix SCHR's statement said GDC's commonly proposed but inadequate temporary fix for heat is the practice of 'ice calls.' Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: conditions,policy Sources: A Matter of Life and Death: As Temperatures Soar, People Incarcerated in Georgia’s Prisons Endure Cruel and Possibly Deadly Conditions – Southern Center for Human Rights - [reported] DOJ found Alabama prison ventilation and electrical strains from overcrowding The DOJ's summary of its investigation into Alabama's men's prisons found strains on ventilation and electrical systems due to extreme overcrowding, which have led to unsanitary living conditions. Tags: conditions,facilities,investigations Sources: United States Department of Justice - [reported] PPI: Georgia among 12 states lacking universal AC The Prison Policy Initiative identified 12 states in the South and Midwest, including Georgia, that lack universal air conditioning in prisons, with Georgia described as having air conditioning in most prisons but not all. Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Cruel and unusual punishment: When states don't provide air conditioning in prison, Prison Policy Initiative, June 2019 - [confirmed] Gates v. Cook findings: Parchman death row not air-conditioned, ventilation inadequate Gates v. Cook's 'Heating and Cooling' findings describe Mississippi's Parchman death row as primarily not air-conditioned, with industrial fans in hallways and most inmates having smaller fans; keeping windows open for relief increased mosquito populations due to holes in screens. The court found ventilation inadequate for minimal comfort in summer, the probability of heat-related illness extreme on Death Row and dramatically more so for mentally ill inmates, and medications often interfere with body temperature regulation. Date: 2004-01-01 Tags: heat,conditions,mental_health,solitary,medical Sources: Gates v. Cook, 376 F.3d 323 (5th Cir. 2004) - [reported] AJC: heat in non-AC prisons contributed to dangerous climate The AJC article cited by Prison Policy Initiative reported that heat in prisons without air conditioning was among the factors contributing to the dangerous climate inside the state's prisons. Tags: conditions,violence Sources: Violence on the rise in Georgia prisons - [reported] Texas bill would have required climate control in all TDCJ facilities by end of 2032 A Texas legislative bill considered in 2025 would have required the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to purchase and install climate control systems in all of its facilities by the end of 2032. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legislation,policy,facilities Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline - [reported] Special Master found unremediated Angola death row tiers at 88–103°F June–September A June 4, 2018 Special Master status report found that unremediated areas in the Angola death row tiers were excessively hot, ranging from 88 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit almost every day in June through September. Date: 2018-06-04 Tags: conditions,legal,facilities Sources: Ball v. LeBlanc 3:13-cv-00368 (M.D. La.) | Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [reported] PREA audit: Mitchell CCI dorms air-conditioned A PREA audit of Mitchell County Correctional Institute found the dorms were well illuminated and equipped with air conditioning. Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final - [reported] Climate change puts 2 million incarcerated people at risk of hazardous heat Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of potentially hazardous heat conditions across the United States, putting the incarcerated population of 2 million at risk for heat-related health conditions. Tags: conditions,medical,demographics Sources: Hazardous heat exposure among incarcerated people in the United States | Nature Sustainability - [reported] Southern U.S. facilities with rapid heat-exposure increase are mostly in states without mandatory AC The majority of carceral facilities in the southern United States that have experienced a rapid increase in potentially hazardous heat exposure since the 1980s are located in states that do not have mandatory air conditioning access for state-run institutions. Tags: conditions,policy,facilities Sources: Hazardous heat exposure among incarcerated people in the United States | Nature Sustainability - [reported] Valdosta State Prison cells regularly exceeded 100 degrees with no cooling The Southern Center for Human Rights' review found that people at Valdosta State Prison lived in a cell where the temperature regularly exceeded 100 degrees, yet no air conditioning or other cooling mechanisms were available. Tags: conditions,facilities,medical Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice., horrific conditions create humanitarian crisis at valdosta state prison [1] - [reported] Texas bills requiring climate-controlled prisons repeatedly failed Bills to require climate-controlled state prisons have repeatedly failed at the Texas Legislature, which also declined to tap billions of dollars in budget surpluses in recent sessions to retrofit units with air conditioning. Tags: legislation,policy,budget,conditions Sources: Texas prisons seek $298 million to air condition hot lockups - [reported] Valdosta State Prison commissary fans did not work The SCHR letter said some men at Valdosta State Prison had access to fans from the prison commissary, but the fans did not work. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: October 1, 2026 - [reported] SCHR: Valdosta State Prison cells regularly exceeded 100°F without cooling The Southern Center for Human Rights' investigation found that an inordinate number of people at Valdosta State Prison have experienced living in a cell where the temperature regularly exceeded 100 degrees, with no air conditioning or other cooling mechanisms available. Tags: conditions,facilities,medical Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice. - [reported] Valdosta State Prison men reported felt-heat values of 100 degrees or more across housing units The SCHR letter said multiple men across a range of housing units at Valdosta State Prison reported living in cells with felt-heat values of 100 degrees or more during periods of extreme heat in the summer. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,medical Sources: October 1, 2026 - [reported] Valdosta State Prison had no air conditioning and ice distributed no more than once per day in summer 2026 The SCHR letter said men at Valdosta State Prison had no air conditioning and limited access to ice, which during the summer of 2026 was reportedly distributed no more than once per day. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: October 1, 2026 - [reported] JAMA study: 0.7% mortality increase per degree above 85°F without AC A JAMA Network Open case-crossover study of 3,464 deaths in Texas prisons found that a 1-degree increase above 85°F in prisons without air conditioning was associated with a 0.7% increase in the risk of daily mortality. Tags: death,conditions,medical Sources: Provision of Air Conditioning and Heat-Related Mortality in Texas Prisons | Environmental Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network - [reported] AJPH sample: heat cases involved >100°F, broken AC, sealed windows, transport without AC In the AJPH sample of heat-related Eighth Amendment cases, plaintiffs gave examples of temperatures exceeding 100°F, broken or lack of air conditioning, sealed windows, faulty ventilation systems, and limited cooling resources such as water and access to fans; in four cases plaintiffs were exposed to extreme heat while being transported in vehicles without air conditioning or open windows. Tags: legal,conditions,transfers Sources: An Overlooked Crisis: Extreme Temperature Exposures in Incarceration Settings | AJPH | Vol. 110 Issue S1 - [reported] Georgia among a dozen Southern/Southwestern states without fully climate-controlled prisons Only a quarter of Georgia's prisons are fully air conditioned, making Georgia one of a dozen states across the South and Southwest with less-than-fully climate-controlled prison systems. Tags: facilities,conditions,heat Sources: Lots of things drive violence in prison. Add heat to the list | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] Most Georgia prisons only partially cooled, sometimes a single dormitory Most Georgia prisons are only partially cooled, which sometimes means cooling in a single dormitory, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting. Tags: facilities,conditions,heat Sources: Lots of things drive violence in prison. Add heat to the list | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] Phillips State Prison was one of two Georgia prisons with no air conditioning Phillips State Prison outside Buford, Georgia, was one of two prisons in the Georgia system with no air-conditioning at all, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting. Tags: facilities,conditions,heat Sources: Lots of things drive violence in prison. Add heat to the list | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] Washington State Prison was one of two Georgia prisons completely without air conditioning Washington State Prison in Davisboro was one of two prisons in Georgia completely without air conditioning, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting. Tags: facilities,conditions,heat Sources: Lots of things drive violence in prison. Add heat to the list | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] GDC says ice distribution is a stopgap measure when prison heat becomes intolerable The Georgia Department of Corrections said doling out ice is one of the stopgap measures it uses when prison heat becomes intolerable, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting. Tags: policy,conditions,heat Sources: Lots of things drive violence in prison. Add heat to the list | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] Most inmates in Texas' approximately 100 state-run facilities live without AC Most of the inmates incarcerated in Texas' approximately 100 state-run jails or prisons live without air conditioning. Tags: heat,conditions,facilities Sources: Federal judge says heat in Texas prisons is unconstitutional, KUT, March 26, 2025 - [reported] Texas prison cell temperatures regularly top 90-100°F per state records Temperatures inside Texas prison cells during summer months regularly top 90 and even 100 degrees, according to the state's own records. Tags: heat,conditions Sources: Federal judge says heat in Texas prisons is unconstitutional, KUT, March 26, 2025 - [reported] Reuters: nearly half of state prisons in 29 states have partial or no AC A Reuters investigation found that nearly half of state prisons across 29 states have partial or no air conditioning in housing units. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline - [reported] PLOS One: prison mortality up 3.5% on extreme heat days, 7.4% over three-day heat waves A 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed PLOS One journal found that mortality in state and private prisons rose during periods of extreme heat, with deaths increasing 3.5% on extreme heat days and up to 7.4% during three-day heat waves. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: death,conditions Sources: Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline POLICYS (25) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] CDC/NIOSH recommends engineering and administrative controls for workplace heat CDC/NIOSH heat stress guidance for workplaces recommends employers reduce workplace heat stress using engineering and administrative (work practice) controls, including engineering controls that increase air velocity or use reflective or heat-absorbing shielding or barriers. Tags: conditions,policy,medical Sources: Workplace Recommendations | Heat Stress | CDC - [reported] Louisiana DOC heat policy revisions negated deliberate indifference finding In the Angola farm line litigation, the court found that the Louisiana Department of Corrections had revised its heat policy, added on-site weather monitoring systems, erected shade pavilions, and expanded access to water and breaks, which the judge said negated a finding of deliberate indifference under the post-Parker standard. Tags: policy,heat,conditions Sources: State wins lawsuit over Angola 'farm line' working conditions • Louisiana Illuminator - [confirmed] GDC policy requires annual heat education April 1 to September 30 GDC SOP 508.24 (Psychotropic Medication Use Management) requires heat education for offenders on psychotropic medication to be done each year from April 1 to September 30 using Attachment 4, M60-01-04. Tags: policy,medical,mental_health,heat Sources: GDC SOP 508.24, Psychotropic Medication Use Management - [reported] Louisiana DOC describes heat pathology safeguards for outdoor workers Louisiana's Department of Corrections said its heat pathology policies include required rest breaks and access to shade, fans, and water for people working outdoors, including on Angola's farm line, according to press secretary Falon Brown. Tags: policy,heat,conditions Sources: State wins lawsuit over Angola 'farm line' working conditions • Louisiana Illuminator - [confirmed] GDC policy: psychotropic medications raise heatstroke and hyperthermia risk GDC SOP 508.24 states that offenders maintained on psychotropic medications may have increased sensitivity to sunlight and may be at higher risk of heat-induced syndromes, including heatstroke, hyperthermia, and heat exhaustion. Tags: policy,medical,mental_health,heat Sources: GDC SOP 508.24, Psychotropic Medication Use Management - [confirmed] GDC policy requires sunscreen and 8-12 glasses of water counseling for psychotropic patients GDC SOP 508.24 requires offenders receiving psychotropic medication to be counseled on wearing protective clothing or sunscreen in direct sunlight and advised to drink eight to twelve glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration, with offenders on outside details possibly requiring more. Tags: policy,medical,mental_health,heat Sources: GDC SOP 508.24, Psychotropic Medication Use Management - [confirmed] GDC policy requires temperature logging above 85°F in restrictive housing GDC SOP 508.24 requires that if an offender on psychotropic medication is in lockdown, SLU, ACU, or CSU, the confinement building temperature be monitored during periods when ambient interior temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with multi-tier and multistory units logged at each floor level, documented by security once every 6 hours during daylight hours between April 1 and September 30 annually. Tags: policy,medical,solitary,heat Sources: GDC SOP 508.24, Psychotropic Medication Use Management - [confirmed] GDC policy mitigation measures when housing exceeds 85°F GDC SOP 508.24 requires that if offender housing areas for psychotropic-medication offenders in lockdown/SLU/ACU/CSU exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit, measures be instituted: increased ventilation through fans to reduce room temperature below 85 degrees, increased fluids and ice, additional showers for cooling, and recommendation to the warden for temporary transfer to a more compatible area. Tags: policy,medical,solitary,heat Sources: GDC SOP 508.24, Psychotropic Medication Use Management - [confirmed] GDC Heat Stress Index: 90-105°F High, 105-130°F Extreme, above 130°F Mortal GDC SOP 511.27 (Occupational Safety and Health/Rehabilitation) sets out a Heat Stress Index table: 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit is 'High' with heat cramps and heat exhaustion possible if exposure is prolonged with physical activity; 105 to 130 degrees is 'Extreme' with heat cramps or exhaustion likely and heat stroke possible; above 130 degrees is 'Mortal' with heat stroke imminent. Tags: policy,medical,heat Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 511.27, Occupational Safety and Health/Rehabilitation - [confirmed] GDC SOP 511.27: heat index above 95°F triggers rehabilitation sector GDC SOP 511.27 states that climatic or environmental conditions indicating the need to establish a firefighter rehabilitation sector include a heat index above 95 degrees. Tags: policy,heat Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 511.27, Occupational Safety and Health/Rehabilitation - [confirmed] GDC 'Heat Intolerance' medical restriction for sun/heat-sensitive conditions and medications GDC SOP 507.04.23 (Medical Classification and Profiling) lists a 'Heat Intolerance' medical restriction for medical conditions (cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic) or medications (psychotropic, sulfonamides, etc.) with sun/exposure or heat-related side effects warranting work detail restrictions, and states the offender may require sunscreen or access to fluids while receiving these medications. Tags: policy,medical,heat Sources: GDC SOP 507.04.23, Medical Classification and Profiling - [reported] Alabama DOC says facilities have some conditioned areas and use industrial fans elsewhere The Alabama Department of Corrections stated that all of its facilities have some areas with heat and air conditioning, and that large industrial fans are used in areas without air conditioning. ADOC said new correctional facilities will have conditioned air meeting American Corrections Association comfort zone standards. Tags: conditions,facilities,policy Sources: People incarcerated in Alabama's prisons face heat dangers as hot weather continues | Alabama Reflector - [confirmed] GDC boot camp policy notes heat restrictions for lithium and antipsychotics GDC SOP 210.02 (Inmate Boot Camp - Classification and Assignment) notes that boot camp programming will be individualized given an inmate's treatment habilitation plan and medication restrictions, giving as an example heat restrictions for lithium and antipsychotics. Tags: policy,medical,mental_health,heat Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 210.02, Inmate Boot Camp - Classification and Assignment - [confirmed] GDC design standards: thermostats set at 68-78°F GDC SOP 410.06 (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Design Standards) requires mechanical systems be designed to provide temperatures in indoor living and work areas appropriate to summer and winter comfort zones, and that thermostats in areas with HVAC systems be set at 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit. Tags: policy,facilities,heat Sources: GDC SOP 410.06, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Design Standards - [confirmed] GDC ventilation minimums: 15 cfm post-1990, 10 cfm pre-1990 GDC SOP 410.06 requires that for new construction or renovation after January 1, 1990, mechanical systems provide circulation of at least 15 cubic feet of outside or recirculated filtered air per minute per occupant for cells/rooms, officer stations, and dining areas; for existing construction completed before January 1, 1990, at least 10 cubic feet per minute per occupant. Tags: policy,facilities,heat Sources: GDC SOP 410.06, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Design Standards - [confirmed] GDC design standards: shower water 100-120°F GDC SOP 410.06 requires shower water be thermostatically controlled to temperatures ranging from 100 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure offender safety and promote hygienic practices. Tags: policy,facilities,heat Sources: GDC SOP 410.06, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Design Standards - [reported] New state prison to replace Washington State Prison planned GDC's Board of Corrections was told that a new state prison to replace Washington State Prison was planned with an estimated construction start in Summer 2026. Date: 2025-09-01 Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Board of Corrections Meeting Minutes, September 4, 2025 - [confirmed] GDC mental health records policy references 'heat plan' under SOP 508.24 GDC SOP 508.10 (Confidentiality of Mental Health Records) identifies access to mental health information for non-mental health personnel as necessary for ensuring compliance with the 'heat plan' per SOP 508.24 Psychotropic Medication Use Management. Tags: policy,mental_health,heat Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 508.10, Confidentiality of Mental Health Records - [reported] DeSantis vetoed Florida prison air conditioning pilot funding in 2025 Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed the Florida prison air conditioning pilot program funding in 2025. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,budget,conditions Sources: Left in the heat, Florida Politics, 2026 - [confirmed] ACA standard 5-ACI-2D-10 requires temperatures in summer and winter comfort zones The American Correctional Association's Performance-Based Standards, 5th edition, standard 5-ACI-2D-10, states that temperatures in indoor living and work areas are appropriate to the summer and winter comfort zones. Tags: policy,conditions,facilities Sources: Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions, 5th Edition - [confirmed] ACA comment: temperature should be mechanically adjustable to comfort level The ACA 5th edition standards comment on the temperature standard states that temperature should be capable of being mechanically raised or lowered to an acceptable comfort level. Tags: policy,conditions,facilities Sources: Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions, 5th Edition - [reported] OSHA recommended indoor comfort range 68-76°F with 20-60% humidity; no strict legal temperature standard for offices OSHA's recommended indoor comfort range for temperature is 68°F-76°F with 20%-60% humidity, and no strict legal temperature standard exists for offices because OSHA focuses on recognized hazards. Tags: policy,conditions Sources: Corrections Trend: Appropriate Temperatures for Correctional Housing Units - [reported] Texas announced $2 million AC installation at Hodge Unit (elderly/medical prisoners), August 2018 In August 2018, Texas prison officials announced they would install air conditioning at the Hodge Unit, which houses prisoners who are elderly or have medical conditions, at an expected cost of $2 million. Date: 2018-08-01 Tags: budget,heat,facilities,medical Sources: Texas Prison Air Conditioning Costs Much Lower than Expected - [reported] BOP manual: HVAC systems must meet applicable codes BOP's Facilities Operations Manual requires that all Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems be sized and installed in accordance with applicable codes as approved by the Chief, Construction and Environmental Review Section, FMB. Tags: policy,facilities Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, 4200 013 - [reported] BOP manual: HVAC maintenance plan per ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA 180 BOP's Facilities Operations Manual requires that, in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180, each institution have a maintenance plan that preserves the condition of HVAC systems and all ancillary equipment in a manner that enables the system to provide the intended thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and achieve the intended indoor air quality required for the building it serves. Tags: policy,facilities Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, 4200 013 CASE DETAILS (16) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Tiede heat litigation first filed in 2023 The complaint that became the Tiede heat litigation was first filed in 2023 by Bernie Tiede, a high-profile inmate who experienced a medical emergency as a result of extreme heat in his cell; prisoner rights advocates later joined it, a decade after the Cole v. Collier Wallace Pack Unit settlement. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: Texas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029 - [reported] Thomas Lee Rutledge died of hyperthermia at 109-degree body temperature in Alabama cell Thomas Lee Rutledge, 44, died of hyperthermia on December 7, 2020, in the mental health ward at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama, according to a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed by his sister. He was found unresponsive with a body temperature of 109 degrees in a cell reported to be between 101 and 104 degrees, per the suit citing the Jefferson County Coroner's report. Date: 2020-12-07 Tags: death,conditions,mental_health,legal Sources: Alabama inmate 'baked to death' in prison cell 'hotter than three hells,' federal lawsuit says - [reported] Alabama lawsuit: mental health ward excluded from HVAC renovation; thermostatic controls damaged The lawsuit over Thomas Lee Rutledge's death alleged that the Donaldson facility had a new air conditioning system and controls installed in 2019 and 2020, but T Unit, the mental health ward where Rutledge was held, was not included in the project. During the renovations, HVAC company P&M Mechanical and its subcontractors allegedly negligently or wantonly damaged or destroyed the thermostatic controls for T Unit. Tags: conditions,facilities,mental_health,legal Sources: Alabama inmate 'baked to death' in prison cell 'hotter than three hells,' federal lawsuit says - [reported] Ball v. LeBlanc settled; conditional dismissal November 2018 The plaintiffs in Ball v. LeBlanc withdrew their motion for attorney's fees on August 15, 2018, and after reaching a settlement agreement the parties filed a joint motion for conditional dismissal on November 5, 2018, with plaintiffs dismissing their pending certiorari petition in the Supreme Court. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: Ball v. LeBlanc 3:13-cv-00368 (M.D. La.) | Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - [reported] Webb/Togonidze arose from heat deaths of five TDCJ prisoners in 2011–2012 Webb v. Livingston (consolidated with Togonidze and Adams, with Webb as lead case) arose from the heat-related deaths of five prisoners, Robert Allen Webb, Alexander Togonidze, Rodney Adams, Kenneth Wayne James, and Douglas Hudson, who died while housed in TDCJ facilities during the summers of 2011 and 2012. Tags: death,conditions,legal Sources: Webb v. Livingston, 618 F. App'x 201 (5th Cir. 2015) - [reported] DOJ: Calhoun death from dehydration after water shut off DOJ's CRIPA report on Georgia prisons found that an incarcerated person at Calhoun State Prison died of dehydration with renal failure after staff shut off the water supply to his cell, closed the cell flap, and did not deliver meals to him. Date: 2023-02-01 Tags: death,conditions,investigations Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Ramirez Bibiano died after 5 hours in outdoor cell without water Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano died of heart and lung failure after officers left him in an outdoor cell in the summer heat for five hours without water or ice, according to his family. Tags: death,conditions,legal Sources: Man dies at 27 from heat exposure at a Ga. prison, lawsuit says - [confirmed] Albert Hinojosa died of heatstroke complications at Garza West Unit, August 29, 2012 Albert Hinojosa died of complications from heatstroke on August 29, 2012 while incarcerated at the Garza West Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Date: 2012-08-29 Tags: heat,death,facilities Sources: Hinojosa v. Livingston, 807 F.3d 657 (5th Cir. 2015) - [reported] Ramirez Bibiano allegedly left in outdoor cell five hours; heat index 105°F The complaint in the Ramirez Bibiano case says he was left in an outdoor cell for five hours before receiving medical attention, and the heat index is said to have reached 105 degrees by that time; he was found naked and in dire physical condition. Date: 2023-07-20 Tags: death,conditions,legal,heat Sources: A Georgia inmate died from heat exposure, GPB, July 26, 2024 - [reported] Warden warned Telfair staff about heat on morning of Ramirez Bibiano death According to the complaint filed in Telfair Superior Court, prison staff at Telfair State Prison were warned by Warden Andrew McFarlane that morning about the heat and told not to leave inmates outside too long, or without water, and to conduct frequent ice calls. Date: 2023-07-20 Tags: death,conditions,legal,heat Sources: A Georgia inmate died from heat exposure, GPB, July 26, 2024 - [reported] 2012 Wallace Pack Unit heat lawsuit filed In 2012, attorney Scott Medlock and others filed a lawsuit against TDCJ on behalf of inmates at the Wallace Pack Unit prison in Navasota, about an hour outside Houston, claiming that extreme heat in prison cells violated inmates' constitutional rights. Date: 2012-01-01 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: Deadly heat in Texas prisons sounds 'cruel and unusual.' Why is it still happening? | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station - [reported] Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano died at Telfair State Prison July 20, 2023 Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano died at Telfair State Prison on July 20, 2023, from a heart attack allegedly caused by heat exposure. Date: 2023-07-20 Tags: death,conditions,heat Sources: A Georgia inmate died from heat exposure, GPB, July 26, 2024 - [reported] Ramirez Bibiano was 27 when he allegedly died from heat exposure Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano was 27 years old when he allegedly died from heat exposure while incarcerated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. Date: 2023-07-20 Tags: death,conditions,heat Sources: A Georgia inmate died from heat exposure, GPB, July 26, 2024 - [reported] Cole v. Collier cost Texas over $7 million in litigation; AC cost estimates ranged from $20M to $450K The Cole v. Collier litigation cost the state over $7 million in litigation expenses; during the case a TDCJ expert falsely testified in 2017 that air conditioning the Wallace Pack Unit would cost $20 million, while plaintiffs' experts presented a $450,000 estimate. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,budget,heat,corruption Sources: Texas Prison Air Conditioning Costs Much Lower than Expected - [reported] 1,700 at MDC Brooklyn endured sub-freezing temperatures in 2019 In 2019, more than 1,700 incarcerated individuals at MDC Brooklyn endured sub-freezing temperatures, which led to legal actions being filed against the Bureau of Prisons. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: conditions,legal Sources: The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro - [confirmed] Bernhardt Tiede II filed complaint in Texas Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants v. Lumpkin Bernhardt Tiede, II filed the complaint in the case now docketed as Texas Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, Inc. v. Lumpkin in the Western District of Texas, assigned to Judge Robert Pitman. Date: 2023-08-24 Tags: legal,heat Sources: Texas Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, Inc. v. Lumpkin, 2023-08-24 (court record via CourtListener) METHODOLOGY NOTES (2) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] PLOS One study lacked facility-level air conditioning data, likely underestimating heat effect The PLOS One national prison heat-mortality study notes that researchers did not have information about which prison facilities or units within facilities were air conditioned, which had been shown to be protective for heat-related health effects, so averaging effects for those with AC likely led to underestimating the true effect. Tags: conditions,death,medical Sources: Heat-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons: A case-crossover analysis | PLOS One - [confirmed] GPB's 'quarter' air-conditioning figure hyperlinked to Prison Policy Initiative, not GDC GPB's article attributed the 'quarter' air-conditioning figure by hyperlinking it to the Prison Policy Initiative's blog appendix, not to a GDC spokesperson, per the retrieved HTML. Tags: facilities,conditions,heat Sources: Lots of things drive violence in prison. Add heat to the list | Georgia Public Broadcasting QUOTES (3) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC declines comment on Ramirez Bibiano lawsuit The Georgia Department of Corrections responded to a request for comment on the Ramirez Bibiano lawsuit by saying they do not comment on pending litigation. Tags: legal,death Sources: Man dies at 27 from heat exposure at a Ga. prison, lawsuit says - [reported] Judge Pitman: excessive heat likely unconstitutional punishment in Texas prisons Judge Robert Pitman wrote in an order that excessive heat is likely serving as a form of unconstitutional punishment. Tags: legal,heat Sources: Federal judge says heat in Texas prisons is unconstitutional, KUT, March 26, 2025 - [reported] Mother of incarcerated man: 'It's 90 degrees inside' Georgia prison cell A mother of an incarcerated man said of his Georgia prison cell, "It's 90 degrees inside." and "How long do you think that ice is lasting?" Tags: conditions,heat Sources: Lots of things drive violence in prison. Add heat to the list | Georgia Public Broadcasting DATA GAPS (2) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] No national statistics on heat-related prison deaths The GAO request letter from Reps. Adams and McBath states that while no national statistics are available on heat-related deaths or illnesses in prisons, a 2022 study reported that approximately 13 percent of deaths in Texas prisons between 2001 and 2019 may be attributed to extreme heat days, with an average of 14 inmate deaths per year in facilities without air conditioning. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: death,conditions,data_gap Sources: The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro - [reported] No heat-related matches in Alabama Appleseed DOJ ADOC report summary A search of the Alabama Appleseed summary of the DOJ ADOC report (retrieved 2026-10-20) for 'heat index', 'air conditioning', 'excessive heat', 'hot bay' and 'heat-related' returned no match. Tags: conditions,investigations Sources: United States Department of Justice DATASETS (6) ---------------------------------------- # GDC Heat Stress Index categories (SOP 511.27) Temperature ranges and associated heat-illness risk categories set out in GDC SOP 511.27, Occupational Safety and Health/Rehabilitation. Temperature Low Temperature High Category Risk Description ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 90 105 High Heat cramps and heat exhaustion possible if exposure is prolonged and there is physical activity 105 130 Extreme Heat cramps or exhaustion likely; heat stroke possible if exposure is prolonged and there is physical activity 130 Mortal Heat stroke imminent # North Carolina state prison air conditioning status (as of 2026 reporting) Counts of North Carolina state prisons by air conditioning status, out of 54 total facilities, per the state's dashboard as cited by PBS News. AC Status Facilities --------------------------------------- Fully air-conditioned 33 Partially air-conditioned 17 No air conditioning 4 # Texas prison warm-month deaths by air conditioning status, 2001-2019 Deaths during warm months in Texas prisons with and without air conditioning, from a case-crossover study. AC Status Deaths -------------------- Without AC 2083 With AC 1381 # North Carolina state prison air-conditioning status Air-conditioning status of North Carolina's 54 state prisons as of 2025, toward a goal of full AC by 2026. Status Facilities ------------------------------------------------ Fully air-conditioned 33 Partially air-conditioned 17 No air conditioning 4 Total state prisons (goal by 2026) 54 # Texas cool-bed construction and procurement as of August 1, 2025 Texas Department of Criminal Justice air-conditioned 'cool bed' capacity under construction and procurement. Status Cool Beds ------------------------------- Under construction 12827 In procurement 7162 # Blackmon v. Garza heat-index day counts, July 1-September 15, 2008 Days in the C-8 dorm at Garza East Unit with heat index in NOAA 'extreme caution,' 'danger,' or 'extreme danger' ranges, per plaintiff's expert. Category Days ---------------------------------------------------------- Extreme caution, danger, or extreme danger (total) 51 Extreme danger 11 KEY ENTITIES (97) ---------------------------------------- - Alabama Appleseed [organization]: Organization that published a summary of the DOJ ADOC report searched for heat-related terms. - Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice [organization]: Nonpartisan nonprofit researching Alabama justice reform; researcher Eddie Burkhalter reported no universal AC in Alabama's 14 major facilities. (aka: Alabama Appleseed) - Alabama Department of Corrections [organization]: Alabama state corrections agency spending approximately $19.3 million on prison education (~$742/inmate/year) while under federal oversight for unconstitutional conditions - Albert Hinojosa [person]: Prisoner who died of heatstroke complications on August 29, 2012 at the Garza West Unit, TDCJ. - Alma Adams [person]: U.S. Representative (NC-12) who introduced the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act. (aka: Alma S. Adams, Ms. Adams) - American Correctional Association [organization]: One of three national bodies offering voluntary accreditation to correctional facilities (aka: ACA) - Andrew McFarlane [person]: Telfair State Prison Warden who convened an 8 a.m. meeting on July 20, 2023 instructing staff about heat precautions on the same morning Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano was left to die in an outdoor recreation cage. Named defendant in Bibiano v. McFarlane. (aka: Warden McFarlane) - Angola [facility]: Louisiana's largest prison, 18,000 acres of farmland. Subject of Ball v. LeBlanc. Camp C continues to operate with no AC and roughly double design capacity as of 2025. (aka: Louisiana State Penitentiary, LSP) - Angola Farm Line case [case]: Louisiana litigation over heat conditions for incarcerated agricultural workers at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola; Fifth Circuit limited the district court's order to named plaintiffs. (aka: Farm Line) - Angola Farm Line Litigation [case]: Long-running federal lawsuit by prisoners forced to work the farm line at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, alleging dangerously harsh heat conditions; Judge Brian Jackson ruled against plaintiffs in 2026. (aka: VOTE v. LeBlanc) - Angola State Penitentiary [facility]: Louisiana facility whose death row tiers were subject to heat index orders in Ball v. LeBlanc. (aka: Louisiana State Penitentiary) - Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Women's state prison in Alto, Habersham County, GA. Mixed close/medium security. Houses death row, diagnostic intake, Children's Center, all-female fire department. Being downsized toward transitional center status. - Ball v. LeBlanc [case]: Angola death-row heat case, 988 F. Supp. 2d 639 (M.D. La. 2013). District court found Eighth Amendment violation and ordered 88°F ceiling; Fifth Circuit affirmed liability but vacated AC remedy under PLRA. Resulted in fans, ice, cold showers, and IcyBreeze units. - Bernhardt Tiede II [person]: Texas prisoner who filed the initial August 2023 suit alleging 110°F+ cell temperatures violated the Eighth Amendment. Subject of Richard Linklater's 2011 film Bernie. Case expanded to system-wide challenge. (aka: Bernie Tiede) - Bernie Tiede [person]: Original individual plaintiff in the 2023 suit (Tiede v. Collier); his claims were later held moot after TDCJ moved him to air-conditioned housing. - Bibiano v. Garrett [case]: Case dismissed with prejudice by Judge Dudley H. Bowen on March 23, 2026. - Blackmon v. Garza [case]: Unpublished Fifth Circuit decision reversing judgment for prison officials at the Garza East Unit and remanding for a new trial. (aka: 484 F. App'x 866 (5th Cir. 2012)) - Bobby Lumpkin [person]: Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, sued in his official capacity. (aka: Director Lumpkin) - Brian Jackson [person]: Chief U.S. District Judge (M.D. La.) who found Eighth Amendment violations in Ball v. LeBlanc and ordered 88°F heat index ceiling for Angola death row. (aka: Judge Brian Jackson, Chief Judge Jackson) - Brian Kemp [person]: Governor of Georgia who proposed $600 million in emergency spending over 18 months for prison reform in January 2025. (aka: Governor Kemp) - Calhoun State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where two female correctional officers were arrested in 2020 for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine in Hot Pockets; cases dismissed due to GDC failure to test evidence. - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [organization]: California state agency responsible for operating the state prison system; defendant in Brown v. Plata litigation (aka: CDCR, California prisons) - CDC/NIOSH [organization]: Federal agency issuing workplace heat stress recommendations. (aka: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - Chandler v. Crosby [case]: Eleventh Circuit decision holding that the Eighth Amendment applies to inadequate cooling and ventilation but that mere discomfort does not offend it; controlling heat precedent for Georgia federal courts. (aka: 379 F.3d 1278 (11th Cir. 2004)) - Cole v. Collier [case]: Seminal modern prison heat case, No. 4:14-cv-01698 (S.D. Tex.), filed 2014 by seven prisoners at Wallace Pack Unit. Resulted in 2018 settlement requiring permanent AC and 88°F heat index ceiling. Judge Keith P. Ellison presiding. (aka: Pack Unit litigation) - Dade Correctional Institution [facility]: Florida state prison in Homestead. Subject of Wilson v. Dixon. Heat index exceeded 103°F for 154 hours in 2024. Class of 1,500+ certified. (aka: Dade CI) - Eleventh Circuit [organization]: Federal appellate court with jurisdiction over Georgia, Florida and Alabama; author of Chandler v. Crosby. (aka: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit) - Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals [organization]: Federal appeals court controlling litigation from Georgia, Florida, and Alabama; adopted 'ordinary firmness' test for retaliation claims (aka: Eleventh Circuit) - Falon Brown [person]: Press secretary for the Louisiana Department of Corrections. - Federal Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency responsible for operating federal prisons in the United States. (aka: BOP, Federal BOP) - Fifth Circuit [organization]: Federal appellate court with jurisdiction over Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana; author of the Gates, Ball, Hinojosa, Yates and Coones heat decisions. (aka: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit) - Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals [organization]: Federal appellate court that decided Parker v. Hooper, Cole v. Collier, Ball v. LeBlanc, and the Angola Farm Line appeal. (aka: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit) - Florida Department of Corrections [organization]: Florida state corrections agency referenced in analysis of contractor profit margins from penny-per-meal savings in a 90,000-prisoner system. - Florida Justice Institute [organization]: Legal advocacy organization; counsel in Wilson v. Dixon lawsuit against Dade Correctional Institution over heat conditions. (aka: FJI) - Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-5-.04 [legislation]: Georgia Board of Corrections rule requiring heat-exhaustion vigilance and attention to unacclimated inmates during hot weather. (aka: Rule 125-3-5-.04, Work Conditions rule) - Garza East Unit [facility]: Texas prison unit at issue in Blackmon v. Garza. - Garza West Unit [facility]: Texas Department of Criminal Justice unit where Albert Hinojosa died of heatstroke complications in 2012. - Gates v. Cook [case]: Fifth Circuit case, 376 F.3d 323 (5th Cir. 2004), upholding fans/ice/showers remedy at Mississippi's Parchman death row. Became floor for Fifth Circuit heat remedies. - GDC SOP 210.02 Inmate Boot Camp - Classification and Assignment [organization]: GDC SOP noting individualized boot camp programming with heat restrictions for lithium and antipsychotics. (aka: SOP 210.02) - GDC SOP 410.06 Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Design Standards [organization]: GDC SOP setting thermostat ranges (68-78°F), ventilation minimums (15/10 cfm per occupant), and shower water temperatures (100-120°F). (aka: SOP 410.06) - GDC SOP 507.04.23 Medical Classification and Profiling [organization]: GDC SOP listing the 'Heat Intolerance' medical restriction for heat-sensitive conditions and medications. (aka: SOP 507.04.23) - GDC SOP 508.10 Confidentiality of Mental Health Records [organization]: GDC SOP referencing non-mental-health personnel access needed to ensure compliance with the 'heat plan' under SOP 508.24. (aka: SOP 508.10) - GDC SOP 508.24 Psychotropic Medication Use Management [organization]: GDC standard operating procedure governing psychotropic medication use, including heat education, hydration counseling, and 85°F temperature monitoring and mitigation in restrictive housing. (aka: SOP 508.24, heat plan) - GDC SOP 511.27 Occupational Safety and Health/Rehabilitation [organization]: GDC SOP containing the Heat Stress Index table and the 95°F heat-index trigger for a rehabilitation sector. (aka: SOP 511.27) - Georgia Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board that issues rules for Georgia prison operations, including Rule 125-4-2-.08 (Library) and Rule 125-2-4-.17 - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Georgia General Assembly [organization]: Georgia state legislature. Has not advanced legislation to address prison labor compensation or remove the state's slavery exception. A two-thirds vote in both chambers would be required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. - Glenn Youngkin [person]: Governor of Virginia who advanced the 2022 budget amendment stripping earned sentence credits. - Government Accountability Office [organization]: Federal agency that published the 1998 Truth in Sentencing state grants report. (aka: GAO) - H.R. 9591 [legislation]: Federal bill to protect incarcerated people and staff from dangerous temperatures in BOP facilities; would authorize climate control upgrades in all federal prisons within five years. (aka: Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act of 2026) - Hinojosa v. Livingston [case]: Fifth Circuit decision in a Texas heat-stroke death case affirming limited discovery before ruling on qualified immunity. (aka: 807 F.3d 657 (5th Cir. 2015)) - Hodge Unit [facility]: Texas prison unit housing elderly or medically-conditioned prisoners; AC installation announced August 2018 at expected $2 million cost. - Jenkins v. DeKalb County [case]: N.D. Georgia case (order dated 2007-11-16) citing Chandler v. Crosby's heat holding as an example of the high bar for Eighth Amendment conditions claims. - Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano [person]: 27-year-old prisoner who died on July 20, 2023 at Telfair State Prison after being left in an outdoor recreation cage for five hours in 105°F heat index. Internal body temperature reached 107°F. GDC reported death as 'natural causes.' Subject of Bibiano v. McFarlane lawsuit. (aka: Juan Carlos Ramirez) - Judge Ellison [person]: Federal judge who granted and extended the Cole v. Collier injunction and approved the settlement. - Judge Pitman [person]: Federal judge who found TDCJ Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin's failure to plan air-conditioning installation constituted deliberate indifference. - Louisiana Department of Corrections [organization]: State prison agency ordered by the Fifth Circuit to correct heat-related policy deficiencies for Farm Line workers. (aka: Louisiana DOC) - Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections [organization]: Holds the fourth-largest LWOP population in the nation (3,900 people), with a notable decrease of 473 people from 2020 to 2024. (aka: Louisiana) - Lowndes County [facility]: Georgia county with the fifteenth highest index crime rate in 1988 at 6,830.1 per 100,000 persons. (aka: Lowndes) - Lucy McBath [person]: U.S. Representative (GA-6) and cosponsor of the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act. (aka: Mrs. McBath) - MDC Brooklyn [facility]: Federal facility where more than 1,700 incarcerated individuals endured sub-freezing temperatures in 2019. (aka: Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn) - Mitchell County Correctional Institute [facility]: Georgia prison audited under PREA; dorms found air-conditioned. (aka: Mitchell CCI) - National Commission on Correctional Health Care [organization]: One of three national bodies offering voluntary accreditation to correctional facilities; develops correctional healthcare standards (aka: NCCHC) - National Weather Service [organization]: Federal agency that issued an extreme heat warning for Lowndes County in August 2026. (aka: NWS) - North Carolina Department of Adult Correction [organization]: North Carolina's corrections agency reporting 9,682 positions needed and 4,979 filled (49% vacancy rate) as of January 2026. - O.C.G.A. § 15-12-78 [legislation]: Georgia statute requiring county grand juries to recommend proper heating and ventilation of jails, enforceable by county authorities. - OSHA [organization]: Federal workplace safety agency. Does not have jurisdiction over incarcerated workers. No enforceable federal heat-exposure standard for prison labor. (aka: Occupational Safety and Health Administration) - P&M Mechanical [organization]: HVAC contractor named as defendant in the Rutledge lawsuit, alleged to have damaged thermostatic controls for T Unit. - Pack Unit [facility]: Texas prison housing unit where summer indoor temperatures reach 100 degrees and consistently exceed 90 degrees, per Bailey v. Collier. - Parchman [facility]: Mississippi's largest prison. DOJ documented temperatures as high as 145.1°F in restrictive housing. Subject of DOJ CRIPA investigation and Gates v. Cook. (aka: Mississippi State Penitentiary) - Parker v. Hooper [case]: Fifth Circuit medical-care class case (No. 23-30825, Mar. 30, 2026) vacating a system-wide remedial order under the PLRA; cited in the Texas ruling for the deliberate indifference standard. - Phillips State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Phillips) - Prison Policy Initiative [organization]: Research and advocacy organization focused on prison conditions; published Cut-rate Care and Chronic Punishment reports (aka: PPI) - Ramirez Bibiano heat-exposure lawsuit [case]: Lawsuit filed in Telfair Superior Court by the family of Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano against the state over his heat-exposure death. (aka: Ramirez Bibiano complaint) - Ricky Dixon [person]: Florida Department of Corrections Secretary who testified about the share of non-air-conditioned housing units. - Ricky Myrick [person]: Presented the 'Beyond the Call' employee recognition awards at the November 2018 Board of Corrections meeting. - Robert Pitman [person]: U.S. District Judge in the Western District of Texas presiding over Tiede v. Texas. Issued 91-page preliminary injunction in March 2025 finding Texas prison heat 'plainly unconstitutional.' Found TDCJ falsified temperature logs. (aka: Judge Robert Pitman) - Ron DeSantis [person]: Florida Governor who vetoed $300,000 appropriated for an AC pilot at three Miami-Dade prison facilities in 2025. (aka: Gov. DeSantis) - Russell v. Johnson [case]: Underlying district court decision cited in Gates v. Cook, 2003 WL 22208029 (N.D. Miss. 2003). - Rutledge v. Sansing [case]: Case with 2024 summary judgment rulings granting motions by Correctional Wardens and Billy Kennedy and denying motions by Correctional Officers and Kristi Sansing. - Scott Medlock [person]: Attorney who filed the 2012 Wallace Pack Unit heat lawsuit against TDCJ. - Southern Center for Human Rights [organization]: Legal advocacy organization that investigated food conditions at Gordon County Jail and sent a formal letter to Sheriff Mitch Ralston in October 2014. (aka: SCHR) - Telfair State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison involved in Operation Ghost Busted (Desiree Briley) and Operation Night Drop drone smuggling network. - Texas Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, Inc. v. Lumpkin [case]: Federal Eighth Amendment heat conditions case against TDCJ Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin; final order issued September 22, 2026, ordering systemwide air conditioning by December 31, 2029. (aka: Texas C.U.R.E. v. Lumpkin, Tiede v. Collier, Tiede v. Lumpkin, No. 1:23-CV-1004-RP) - Texas Civil Rights Project [organization]: Organization that represented prisoners in Cole v. Collier and presented a $450,000 AC cost estimate. - Texas Department of Criminal Justice [organization]: Texas corrections agency; former executive director testified as expert witness that overcrowding is 'primary cause' of violations (aka: TDCJ) - Texas Legislative Budget Board [organization]: Texas legislative agency that projected 2007 prison bed needs. (aka: LBB) - Texas Legislature [organization]: Texas state legislature; repeatedly declined to fund prison air conditioning despite budget surpluses. - Thomas Lee Rutledge [person]: 44-year-old incarcerated man who died of hyperthermia on December 7, 2020, at Donaldson Correctional Facility. - Tiede heat litigation [case]: Federal heat litigation against TDCJ, first filed in 2023 by Bernie Tiede and joined by prisoner rights advocates; resulted in an order to air-condition all Texas prisons by the end of 2029. (aka: Tiede lawsuit) - Tyrone Oliver [person]: Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections who in March 2024 stopped including preliminary cause of death in monthly mortality reports. (aka: Commissioner Oliver, GDC Commissioner) - U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ) - Unit 32 [facility]: Supermax unit at Parchman closed under a June 2010 settlement agreement. (aka: Unit 32 supermax) - Virginia Department of Corrections [organization]: Virginia state agency responsible for the state prison system, subject to oversight by the Virginia Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman. (aka: VADOC) - Wallace Pack Unit [facility]: TDCJ minimum-security facility in Navasota, Texas, holding approximately 1,300 men. Subject of Cole v. Collier litigation. First Texas prison to receive court-ordered permanent AC. (aka: Pack Unit) - Webb v. Livingston [case]: Unpublished Fifth Circuit decision dismissing appeals over the heat deaths of five Texas prisoners for lack of jurisdiction. (aka: 618 F. App'x 201 (5th Cir. 2015)) - William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility [facility]: Alabama prison in Bessemer where Thomas Lee Rutledge died of hyperthermia in the T Unit mental health ward. (aka: Donaldson) SOURCES (76) ---------------------------------------- - ‘Unbearable’ heat in uncooled Alabama prisons, WBHM (2026-08-30) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.wbhm.org/local-news/2026-08-30/unbearable-heat-in-uncooled-alabama-prisons - A Georgia inmate died from heat exposure, GPB, July 26, 2024, GPB (2024-07-26) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.gpb.org/news/2024/07/26/georgia-inmate-died-heat-exposure-left-questions-his-family-suing-the-state - A Matter of Life and Death: As Temperatures Soar, People Incarcerated in Georgia’s Prisons Endure Cruel and Possibly Deadly Conditions – Southern Center for Human Rights, Southern Center for Human Rights (2024-01-01) [official_report, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/2024/https://www.schr.org/a-matter-of-life-and-death-as-temperatures-soar-people-incarcerated-in-georgias-prisons-endure-cruel-and-possibly-deadly-conditions/ - AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2026-10-19) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/10/valdosta-prison-southern-center-for-human-rights-report/ - Alabama inmate 'baked to death' in prison cell 'hotter than three hells,' federal lawsuit says, NBC News [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alabama-inmate-baked-death-prison-cell-hotter-three-hells-federal-laws-rcna62097 - An Overlooked Crisis: Extreme Temperature Exposures in Incarceration Settings | AJPH | Vol. 110 Issue S1, American Journal of Public Health [academic, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20241204185041id_/https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2019.305453 - As climate change worsens, deadly prison heat is increasingly an everywhere problem | Grist, Grist [journalism, secondary] URL: https://grist.org/extreme-heat/as-climate-change-worsens-deadly-prison-heat-is-increasingly-an-everywhere-problem/ - Ball v. LeBlanc 3:13-cv-00368 (M.D. La.) | Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse, Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://clearinghouse.net/case/12890/ - Ball v. LeBlanc, 2019-04-18 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2019-04-18) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4271240/ - Ball v. LeBlanc, No. 17-30052 (5th Cir. 2018) :: Justia, Justia (2018-01-31) [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033040id_/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca5/17-30052/17-30052-2018-01-31.html - Bibiano v. Garrett, 2026-03-23 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-03-23) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69640578/ - Blackmon v. Garza, 484 F. 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Lumpkin, 2023-08-24 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2023-08-24) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67727449/ - Texas Legislature offers no money specifically for prison air conditioning, The Texas Tribune (2023-05-26) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260822121627id_/https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/26/texas-prisons-air-conditioning-3/ - Texas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029, The Texas Tribune (2026-09-22) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/22/texas-prison-air-conditioning-lawsuit-ruling/ - Texas Prison Air Conditioning Costs Much Lower than Expected, Prison Legal News (2019-02-05) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2019/feb/5/texas-prison-air-conditioning-costs-much-lower-expected/ - Texas prisons seek $298 million to air condition hot lockups, The Texas Tribune (2026-09-09) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/09/texas-prison-air-conditioning-lawsuit-legislature-budget/ - The Honorable Gene L. 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