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Bill

HR 9591

Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Alma Adams and 15 co-sponsors

Strengthens federal correctional facilities' ability to prepare for and respond to extreme temperatures, protecting inmates and staff through improved climate resilience and emerge

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9591

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HR 9591
  • Session: 119
  • Title: To improve response to, and preparation for, extreme temperatures, in Federal correctional facilities
  • Status: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and, in addition, to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (as of 2026-07-06)
  • Sponsors: Includes multiple co-sponsors (e.g., Lucy McBath, Rashida Tlaib, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, Hank Johnson, Maxwell Frost, Nydia Velázquez, Alma Adams)

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to strengthen how federal correctional facilities prepare for and respond to extreme temperatures. Its core objective is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of incarcerated individuals and staff by ensuring better climate resiliency, emergency readiness, and temperature management practices in federal prisons and jails under federal jurisdiction.

Key Provisions and Changes (anticipated, based on title and typical legislative structure)

  • Extreme Temperature Preparedness: Establish or enhance standards for both hot and cold weather conditions in federal facilities, including requirements for cooling, heating, ventilation, and emergency contingency plans.
  • Response Protocols: Create or refine procedures for rapid response to temperature-related emergencies, such as heat waves or cold snaps, including medical assessment, hydration programs, and access to cooling or warming resources.
  • Facility Standards and Infrastructure: Impose or incentivize upgrades to building systems (HVAC improvements, insulation, backup power, climate control controls) to maintain safe temperature ranges.
  • Monitoring and Oversight: Require ongoing temperature monitoring, data collection, and reporting to ensure compliance and to track outcomes related to inmate health and safety.
  • Training and Staffing: Mandate staff training on recognizing heat-related and cold-related illnesses, proper use of cooling/warming equipment, and emergency procedures; potentially specify staffing ratios or response team requirements.
  • Health and Medical Provisions: Expand access to medical assessment and treatment for temperature-related conditions; address dehydration, heat stroke, hypothermia, and other related health risks.
  • Accountability and Reporting: Establish reporting mechanisms to Congress or relevant federal agencies on compliance, incidents, and outcomes; may require annual or periodic reports.
  • Interagency Coordination: Encourage coordination between federal correctional facilities, health departments, and emergency management agencies to share best practices and resources.

Note: The exact text of provisions is not provided here; the above reflects common elements typically included in bills with this purpose and inference from the title.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Federal inmates and detainees in facilities under federal jurisdiction.
  • Federal correctional facility staff (guards, health professionals, administrators).
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons and potentially other federal agencies overseeing or collaborating on prison conditions and emergency preparedness.
  • Families and advocates concerned with inmate health and safety.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Referral: The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration of provisions within their jurisdiction.
  • Next Steps: Committee hearings, potential amendments, and passage by one or both committees before advancing to the full House for debate and vote.
  • Potential Implementing Timeline: If enacted, implementing standards, procurement of equipment, training, and facility upgrades would occur according to established compliance schedules, likely phased over multiple fiscal years, depending on funding and appropriations.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Health and Safety: Could reduce temperature-related health risks for inmates and staff, improving medical outcomes during extreme weather events.
  • Capital and Operating Costs: May require substantial capital investments in HVAC systems, backup power, climate-control infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance.
  • Accountability: Strengthens oversight and data reporting on prison climate conditions, enabling better transparency.
  • Equity and Standards: Establishes federal baseline standards that could reduce disparities in how extreme temperatures affect inmates across facilities.

If you have the bill’s text or specific amendments, I can provide a more detailed, line-by-line summary of provisions, timelines, and fiscal implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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