The temperature at which a facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is maintained

Texas House Bill 3443, introduced in 2025, mandates that all facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice maintain indoor temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill requires compliance by September 1, 2026.

Supporters of HB3443 argue that maintaining prison temperatures within this range is essential for the health and safety of inmates and staff, particularly during extreme weather conditions. They believe this measure will improve living conditions and reduce heat-related illnesses in correctional facilities.

Opponents of HB3443 express concerns about the financial burden of implementing the required temperature controls, especially in older facilities lacking modern HVAC systems. They also question the feasibility of enforcing these standards across all state-run prisons and suggest that the funds could be better allocated elsewhere.