Alma Adams (D-NC)
Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 19 Democratic cosponsors · See all 19 cosponsors
Last activity — 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act of 2026. It requires the Bureau of Prisons to install or update heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in all federal correctional facilities within five years. It also requires the installation of temperature reading devices in all human-occupied spaces, including prison cells. Facilities must provide interim temperature monitoring until the new devices are installed. The bill orders the creation of mandatory temperature standards, mitigation options, studies, and regular reports to hold officials accountable.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +4
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill specifically protects elderly incarcerated individuals from extreme temperatures.
- Scored +4
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill provides protections for individuals with compromised thermoregulatory systems and medical vulnerabilities.
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill increases transparency by requiring regular reporting to Congress and annual oversight inspections by the Inspector General.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes new appropriations for upgrading HVAC systems in federal prisons.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2: This section requires the Bureau of Prisons to install or update heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and temperature reading devices in every human-occupied space in federal prisons. This is positive because it ensures that temperatures are properly tracked and controlled in living and working areas.
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Section 5: This section orders a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the creation of mandatory rules to protect medically vulnerable populations. This is positive because it specifically looks out for the health and safety of elderly people, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems.
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Section 7: This section requires the facility to provide free heat and cold mitigation options, such as cold-water bottles, cooling fans, winter clothing, and blankets upon request when internal temperatures reach dangerous levels. This is positive because it gives incarcerated individuals direct tools to stay safe from extreme weather without having to pay for them at the commissary.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill provides protections for individuals with compromised thermoregulatory systems and medical vulnerabilities. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill specifically protects elderly incarcerated individuals from extreme temperatures. Would women be better off under this? — The bill explicitly includes protections for pregnant individuals in federal custody. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — African Americans are disproportionately represented in the federal prison population and benefit from improved facility conditions. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Hispanic Americans are represented in the federal prison population and benefit from improved facility conditions.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill increases transparency by requiring regular reporting to Congress and annual oversight inspections by the Inspector General. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight and mandates for the Bureau of Prisons.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill improves health standards and protections for vulnerable populations in federal prisons regarding extreme temperatures. Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill mandates a CDC study on the effects of extreme temperatures in correctional facilities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill establishes mandatory standards to protect medically vulnerable and compromised individuals. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — Prison populations disproportionately consist of racial minorities, and this bill improves their living conditions.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes new appropriations for upgrading HVAC systems in federal prisons.
- 8/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/16/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/9/2026
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- 7/6/2026
- 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.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Judy ChuDemocrat · California
Jasmine CrockettDemocrat · Texas
Dwight EvansDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Maxwell FrostDemocrat · Florida
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
Lucy McBathDemocrat · Georgia
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey
Analilia MejiaDemocrat · New Jersey
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Lateefah SimonDemocrat · California
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Lauren UnderwoodDemocrat · Illinois
Nydia VelázquezDemocrat · New York
Nikema WilliamsDemocrat · Georgia
Frederica WilsonDemocrat · Florida
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey