What this is
HB 313 requires Texas prisons to keep indoor temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
HB 313 is a state law that creates temperature standards for all facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill was introduced by Representative Ron Reynolds and addresses an important issue: maintaining safe and healthy conditions inside prisons and other criminal justice facilities.
The law requires that every facility controlled by the department keep indoor temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These specific temperature limits help protect the physical health and comfort of everyone inside—both workers and residents of the facilities. Extreme temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially for vulnerable populations.
The law does not take effect immediately. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has until September 1, 2026, to prepare and implement these temperature requirements. This gives the department time to upgrade heating and cooling systems if needed and to plan how to meet the new standards across all of its facilities.
Read full text
HB 313 represents our community's commitment to ensuring that conditions in criminal justice facilities meet basic health and safety standards. Citizens, advocates, and lawmakers can track this bill's progress as the Texas Legislature continues to work on criminal justice policy.
Key details
- Minimum temperature: 65 degrees Fahrenheit
- Maximum temperature: 85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Compliance deadline: September 1, 2026
- Sponsor: Representative Ron Reynolds
- Bill number: HB 313
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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How this affects households
Under $30,000
This law doesn't directly change your household budget or taxes. If you have family members in Texas prisons, they may have safer and healthier conditions.
$30,000-$60,000
This law doesn't affect your income or expenses directly. Your tax dollars may go toward upgrading prison air conditioning and heating systems over time.
$60,000-$100,000
No direct impact on your household finances. State spending on prison facility upgrades could be funded through existing budgets or future tax revenue.
Over $100,000
This policy doesn't change your income or spending directly. As a higher taxpayer, you may contribute more to funding prison facility improvements.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read why it matters so you can speak to it in your own words.
- 3Weigh in using the button above.
When you call, you can say: “Hi, I saw "Texas Law Sets Temperature Rules for Prisons" on Community Exchange and want to know how to take part.”
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