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Federal Trial Begins Over Air Conditioning in Texas Prisons

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal trial in Austin, Texas begins Monday to address air conditioning in state prisons housing over 80,000 inmates.
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman previously ruled that conditions are unconstitutional but did not require immediate action.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) reports 52,438 cool beds and ongoing construction.
Advocates say measures are inadequate and the case could yield a federal order to install air conditioning across facilities.

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Story summary

A federal trial in Austin, Texas begins Monday to address air conditioning in state prisons housing over 80,000 inmates.
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman previously ruled that conditions are unconstitutional but did not require immediate action.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) reports 52,438 cool beds and ongoing construction.
Advocates say measures are inadequate and the case could yield a federal order to install air conditioning across facilities.