Texas prisons seek $298 million for air conditioning. That’s a fraction of what’s needed.

A prison agency has requested $298 million to add air conditioned beds. The funds, to be allocated over two years, would cover more than 15,700 beds. This request aims to address the issue of dangerous summer heat in prisons.

Inmate advocates have expressed dissatisfaction with the budget request, citing it as a sign of indifference to the conditions. They estimate that $1.5 billion is needed to correct the issue. A federal judge is currently considering whether to order action to cool prisons where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees in summer.

Further details on the budget debate and the federal judge's consideration are available from the source. The outcome of the judge's decision is pending.