Plaintiffs’ Closing Presentation: Lioness, et al. v. Lumpkin
The plaintiffs’ April 2026 closing presentation outlining evidence of heat-related harm, TDCJ’s response, and the feasibility of fully air conditioning Texas prisons by the end of 2029.
Judge Robert Pitman’s March 2026 Summary Judgment OrderThe court’s order rejecting most of TDCJ’s effort to end the lawsuit before trial. The court affirmed Lioness’s standing to challenge TDCJ’s systemwide heat policies and found that significant factual disputes remained for trial.
Judge Robert Pitman’s March 2025 Order
The court’s 91-page order finding that extreme heat in Texas prisons likely constitutes unconstitutional punishment and warning that permanent, systemwide air conditioning may ultimately be required. The court denied temporary relief at that stage and ordered the case to proceed toward trial.
Judge Robert Pitman’s June 2024 Order Denying Motions to DismissThe court rejected TDCJ’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, finding that the plaintiffs had sufficiently alleged an imminent risk of serious harm and that Lioness had standing to represent its incarcerated members.