A federal judge has mandated that all state prisons in Texas must be equipped with air conditioning by the end of 2029, responding to increasing concerns about the extreme heat faced by inmates and staff. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is requesting $298 million for these necessary upgrades, highlighting the urgent need for cooling solutions as lawmakers discuss budget priorities. The repercussions of inaction are becoming increasingly evident, with summer heat posing significant risks to the health and safety of both inmates and prison employees.