SECTION 260.137. Furnishings for Offender Housing Areas

(a) Bunks. Bunks shall be fire resistive. The mattress surface of the bunk shall measure not less than two feet-three inches wide and six feet-three inches long.

(b) Toilets and Lavatories. Toilets and lavatories shall be provided in cells and day rooms. Based on degree of security sought to be achieved, they may be conventional type. Based on design capacity, each cell and day room shall provide one toilet and lavatory capable of providing drinking water for each group or increment of eight offenders.

(c) Showers. Shower areas shall be not less than two feet-six inches square per showerhead and not less than seven feet high. Construction should be of materials which resist the action of soap and water. Drying areas of not less than two feet-six inches square sloped to a drain should be provided adjoining the shower entrance. Based on design capacity, each separation cell and day room shall provide one shower for each group or increment of 12 offenders.

(d) Tables and Seating. Tables and seating shall be constructed of materials which will resist vandalism. They shall be fire resistive and reasonably remote from toilet areas. Tables and benches shall be not less than 12 inches wide, and linear seating shall be not less than 18 continuous inches per person. Stools shall be not less than 12 inches in diameter. Seating height of 16 inches to 20 inches shall be provided.

(e) Privacy Shields. Offender toilet and shower areas in dormitories, multiple occupancy cells, single occupancy cells, holding cells, and day rooms shall be equipped to restrict viewing from persons outside the cell and staff areas in direct supervision designs. Privacy shields shall extend from about 15 inches above the finished floor to about four feet-six inches high and shall be securely anchored.

(f) Mirrors. Mirrors shall be constructed of unbreakable material. Mirrors shall be provided above lavatories in day rooms and separation cells.

(g) Additional Furnishings. Shelves, clothes hooks, and lockers for offenders' personal belongings should be provided.

Source Note: The provisions of this §260.137 adopted to be effective December 19, 1994, 19 TexReg 9526; amended to be effective October 8, 2013, 38 TexReg 6926