H.B. No. 2997 aims to establish temperature regulations for facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) that house inmates or where staff regularly work. The bill mandates that these facilities maintain a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it requires the installation of electronic temperature gauges in various areas of the facilities, including hospitals, kitchens, and recreational areas, among others. The TDCJ is also tasked with maintaining a log of temperature readings and publishing this information quarterly on its website.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a reporting requirement for the TDCJ regarding air conditioning systems in these facilities. By December 1 each year, the department must submit a report detailing incidents of air conditioning failures, temperature regulation issues, and the steps taken to address these problems. The bill allows the TDCJ until September 1, 2026, to fully comply with the temperature requirements, with the first report under the new regulations due by December 1, 2027. The act will take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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