In New Orleans, a federal judge has ruled for officials at the Louisiana State Penitentiary to enhance shade and implement other measures to safeguard prisoners engaged in agricultural work from severe heat. U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson issued a new order following a previous one in July, citing images presented by Voice of the Experienced showing inmates toiling under the sun with minimal protection and insufficient shelter. The advocacy group had sued over the conditions of inmates on the “farm line” at the prison farm in Angola.

Describing the situation as unfavorable, Judge Jackson highlighted the State of Louisiana’s lack of action towards improving conditions for the farm line workers. The state corrections department refrained from commenting until they could adequately review the order.

The judge’s latest decree noted instances of inmate illnesses and emergency medical treatments between July 2 and Aug. 5. Jackson mandated the provision of more tents near the work areas, the availability of seating, and 15-minute breaks every 45 minutes during heat alerts.

While state corrections officials appealed the original July 2 order, a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals adjusted some parts of the ruling but upheld essential requirements during the ongoing appeal process. Judge Jackson, as before, chose not to suspend farm line work during heat alerts.

The legal battle over the conditions on the farm line emerges amidst increased national focus on prison labor systems rooted in historical slavery practices. A previous Associated Press investigation revealed connections between major corporations like Walmart and Burger King to prison farms like Angola, where incarcerated individuals receive minimal wages, if any. Some companies, including Cargill, have since cut ties with prison farms or entities utilizing inmate labor.