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Prison Libraries Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7247| House 
| Updated: 1/27/2026
Emanuel Cleaver

Emanuel Cleaver

Democratic Representative

Missouri

Cosponsors (23)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Julie Johnson (Democratic)Ed Case (Democratic)Shontel M. Brown (Democratic)David Scott (Democratic)Terri A. Sewell (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Jasmine Crockett (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democratic)Don Bacon (Republican)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Ami Bera (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Lateefah Simon (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Cleo Fields (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Emily Randall (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Valerie P. Foushee (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill directs the Attorney General to establish a grant program within one year of its enactment, designed to fund library services for incarcerated individuals. The primary goals of this program are to advance reintegration efforts, reduce recidivism, and increase educational opportunities for those in correctional facilities. Eligible applicants include States and territories that submit a comprehensive plan, demonstrate the existence or intent to create a physical library, and provide demographic data proving a compelling need for funding. Grant funds are specifically allocated for a broad range of library services, encompassing education and job training , the acquisition of modern materials and equipment , and the expansion of library infrastructure to be more welcoming. Permitted uses also include hiring qualified librarians and staff , offering digital literacy and career readiness programming, and providing computer and internet access. However, funds cannot be used for personal items like food or clothing, general prison operations, or facility maintenance unrelated to the libraries. The Attorney General will prioritize applicants that adhere to established library management standards , integrate post-secondary education curriculum into their programming, and present clear plans for measurable positive impacts, such as increased literacy rates and expanded post-release employment opportunities. Grants are awarded for a one-year term, renewable annually for up to six years, and require grantees to submit annual performance and expenditure reports. The bill authorizes $10,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031 to support this initiative.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2825
Prison Libraries Act of 2023
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 27, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2825
    Prison Libraries Act of 2023


  • January 27, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 27, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Prison Libraries Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7247| House 
| Updated: 1/27/2026
This bill directs the Attorney General to establish a grant program within one year of its enactment, designed to fund library services for incarcerated individuals. The primary goals of this program are to advance reintegration efforts, reduce recidivism, and increase educational opportunities for those in correctional facilities. Eligible applicants include States and territories that submit a comprehensive plan, demonstrate the existence or intent to create a physical library, and provide demographic data proving a compelling need for funding. Grant funds are specifically allocated for a broad range of library services, encompassing education and job training , the acquisition of modern materials and equipment , and the expansion of library infrastructure to be more welcoming. Permitted uses also include hiring qualified librarians and staff , offering digital literacy and career readiness programming, and providing computer and internet access. However, funds cannot be used for personal items like food or clothing, general prison operations, or facility maintenance unrelated to the libraries. The Attorney General will prioritize applicants that adhere to established library management standards , integrate post-secondary education curriculum into their programming, and present clear plans for measurable positive impacts, such as increased literacy rates and expanded post-release employment opportunities. Grants are awarded for a one-year term, renewable annually for up to six years, and require grantees to submit annual performance and expenditure reports. The bill authorizes $10,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031 to support this initiative.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2825
Prison Libraries Act of 2023
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 27, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2825
    Prison Libraries Act of 2023


  • January 27, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 27, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Emanuel Cleaver

Emanuel Cleaver

Democratic Representative

Missouri

Cosponsors (23)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Julie Johnson (Democratic)Ed Case (Democratic)Shontel M. Brown (Democratic)David Scott (Democratic)Terri A. Sewell (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Jasmine Crockett (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democratic)Don Bacon (Republican)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Ami Bera (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Lateefah Simon (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Cleo Fields (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Emily Randall (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Valerie P. Foushee (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted