Calls mount for Texas to install air conditioning in all prisons amid heat wave, though state denies inmate deaths from heat since 2012

Family members and advocates are calling on Texas lawmakers to allocate funding to install air conditioning in all state prisons, with only about 30% currently fully air conditioned.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice claims there have been no heat-related deaths since 2012, but investigations into recent deaths remain ongoing.
Advocates allege hundreds of inmate deaths in recent years due to excessive heat in uncooled prisons.
Thirteen U.S. states currently lack universal air conditioning in state prisons.
Participants are urging the Texas governor to call a special legislative session to address the issue amid forecasts of continued extreme heat.