Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 9591

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-07-06: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T08:06:12Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation aims to enhance preparation for and response to extreme temperatures in federal correctional facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons. It focuses on installing or updating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, setting temperature standards, providing mitigation options, and monitoring health effects.

Key Provisions

• HVAC Installation and Monitoring: Requires the Bureau of Prisons Director to install or update HVAC systems and temperature reading devices in all facilities within 5 years, with interim temperature testing until devices are in place.
• Temperature Standards: Mandates development and enforcement of written standards for heat and cold stress in work, recreation, and confinement conditions.
• Vulnerable Populations: Directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study extreme temperature effects and requires the Bureau of Prisons to create rules protecting medically vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or those with certain health conditions.
• Staff Protection: Requires use of wet-bulb globe temperature-based standards from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to limit heat exposure for staff.
• Mitigation Options: Ensures free access to items like cooling fans, cold-water bottles, blankets, and winter clothing for inmates when temperatures reach dangerous levels.
• Training and Records: Establishes an electronic system to track seasonal training on heat and cold mitigation for staff.
• Reporting and Oversight: Requires biennial cost and progress reports, annual reports on temperature-related illnesses, and yearly inspections by the Department of Justice Inspector General.
• Funding: Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to support HVAC upgrades.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new mandatory requirements for the Bureau of Prisons Director, including timelines for HVAC upgrades, enforceable temperature standards, free mitigation supplies, and interagency coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It does not amend prior statutes but adds these obligations where none previously existed in this specific form.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Bureau of Prisons must allocate resources for system upgrades, training, and compliance; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts studies; and the Department of Justice Inspector General performs annual oversight.
• Citizens: Incarcerated individuals gain access to temperature controls and free supplies; staff receive enhanced heat protection measures.
• No direct effects on international relations are outlined.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Bureau of Prisons Director and facilities.
• Incarcerated individuals.
• Bureau of Prisons staff.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Department of Justice Inspector General.
• Congress (through required reports).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill establishes enforceable standards and oversight mechanisms for temperature conditions in federal prisons, including annual public reports on illnesses and system maintenance. It creates new interagency responsibilities without referencing specific legal or constitutional provisions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]

Cosponsors (15)

Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]

Recent Actions

• 2026-07-06: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-07-06: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-07-06: Introduced in House
• 2026-07-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act of 2026 — issued 2026-07-06 — PDF (6 pages)