HB 3443
AN ACT relating to the temperature at which a facility operated by the
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to maintain temperatures in its facilities between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring more comfortable and humane living conditions for inmates. The regulation does not need to be fully implemented until September 1, 2026, giving TDCJ time to make necessary infrastructure and climate control adjustments. The law aims to improve living standards for incarcerated individuals by establishing clear temperature guidelines for all TDCJ facilities.
Bill Text
relating to the temperature at which a facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is maintained. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 501.028 to read as follows: Sec. 501.028. TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS AT DEPARTMENT FACILITIES. The department shall ensure that the temperature in each facility operated by the department is maintained at not less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit or more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit. SECTION 2. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is not required to comply with the requirements of Section 501.028, Government Code, as added by this Act, until September 1, 2026. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the temperature at which a facility operated by the
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