Marci Simmons described the intense heat that can be felt when sitting inside a car before turning on the ignition. The heat is so oppressive that it can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. This description was given in Gatesville, Texas.
During her time in a Central Texas prison, Marci Simmons, like many others, had to endure extreme heat without any air conditioning.
During a preliminary injunction that lasted several days in Austin, she provided testimony.
The state is currently facing a massive lawsuit, which demands that state prisons adhere to the same climate control standards as state jails, where temperatures are kept between 65 and 85 degrees. This particular case is just a small part of the larger lawsuit.
The judge was requested to lower temperatures inside the prisons immediately through a preliminary injunction, even though the trial could go on for years, until the lawsuit is resolved.
According to Simmons, waiting is not an option.
Simmons expressed that individuals are actually losing their lives.
In the case, autopsies were among the evidence presented by them.
According to Simmons, they consulted with multiple experts, one of whom revealed that the absence of air conditioning during heat waves leads to the loss of 14 lives annually.
People who testified on the stand elaborated upon the effects that it has on one’s health.
Simmons was among numerous individuals who had been incarcerated in the past and had the opportunity to share their experiences of being in prison.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice staff was called upon by the state to present their case.
Although they testified that the measures in place were sufficient, Simmons does not agree with their assessment.
According to Simmons, the current measures being taken to combat sickness and death are not effective. Despite these efforts, people are still getting sick and dying. Simmons believes that if these measures were truly effective, people would no longer be suffering.
According to Simmons, a lot of individuals tend to resist and disregard the idea of prisoners experiencing suffering. Some individuals argue that prison is not meant to provide comfort, which is a common feedback.
“It’s not as simple as that,” she stated.
Simmons emphasized the severity of the issue by stating that it is not merely about comfort, but rather about the danger of extreme heat. “We’re not talking about hot. We are talking about dangerously hot – deadly hot,” he said, urging people to understand the gravity of the situation.
When asked for an interview or comment regarding the ongoing litigation, 25 News reached out to TDCJ. However, they declined to comment, stating their policy of not commenting on pending litigation.
Simmons mentioned that although the state attempted to dismiss the case, the federal judge was adamant that it should proceed.
The judge’s verdict is anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
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