Should NH prisons be air conditioned?

In 2010, 30 solitary confinement inmates of NH state prison went on hunger strike to protest extreme heat. The inmates were kept in cells with windows that could not open, without air conditioning, and were not permitted to go outside even on very hot summer days.

More recently, in Texas, the state corrections system has faced lawsuits related to the temperatures inside state jails.

Proponents of requiring prisons have air conditioning argue that for prisoners with health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, extreme heat can lead to illness or even risk of death. Others argue that neglecting to offer prisoners relief from high heat constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

Opponents counter that many law-abiding citizens lack air conditioning and must make do during times of high heat. They also note that days of extreme high temperatures are infrequent in New Hampshire, and that therefore the expense of installing an air conditioning system is not warranted.