The Texas agency overseeing jail standards will heighten its response to Harris County's years-long struggle to meet state guidelines and tackle overcrowding — less than a month after it was issued a notice for failing to complete face-to-face observations of inmates.

Since falling out of compliance, the Harris County Jail has seen at least 55 inmate deaths, a gun smuggled inside, and inmates not receiving proper medication.

The move escalates the state’s efforts to improve conditions in Harris County’s jail system, which has struggled to comply with a remedial order since 2023.