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Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4319| Senate 
| Updated: 4/16/2026
Adam B. Schiff

Adam B. Schiff

Democratic Senator

California

Cosponsors (4)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Peter Welch (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill requires the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to establish an independent Publication Review Committee within 90 days of enactment, tasked with approving or disapproving the availability of books in BOP facilities. This committee aims to create a transparent and objective process for managing reading materials for incarcerated individuals. The Committee will consist of at least five members, including the Federal Prison Oversight Act's Ombudsman, a professional librarian , an incarcerated individual , and an expert in First Amendment law . The BOP Director must submit a detailed written request for any book prohibition, which the Committee must then approve, ensuring a multi-faceted review before any book is banned. A vital provision allows incarcerated individuals to appeal book prohibitions directly to the Committee, which must issue a final determination within 90 days. The Committee is explicitly prohibited from banning books based on disfavored viewpoints or content , even if unpopular, thereby protecting access to diverse information. Additionally, the Director must submit annual reports to Congress, detailing all prohibited books and the outcomes of appeals.
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Timeline
Apr 16, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8325
Introduced in House
Apr 16, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 16, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • April 16, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8325
    Introduced in House


  • April 16, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 16, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HR 119-8325: Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026

Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4319| Senate 
| Updated: 4/16/2026
This bill requires the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to establish an independent Publication Review Committee within 90 days of enactment, tasked with approving or disapproving the availability of books in BOP facilities. This committee aims to create a transparent and objective process for managing reading materials for incarcerated individuals. The Committee will consist of at least five members, including the Federal Prison Oversight Act's Ombudsman, a professional librarian , an incarcerated individual , and an expert in First Amendment law . The BOP Director must submit a detailed written request for any book prohibition, which the Committee must then approve, ensuring a multi-faceted review before any book is banned. A vital provision allows incarcerated individuals to appeal book prohibitions directly to the Committee, which must issue a final determination within 90 days. The Committee is explicitly prohibited from banning books based on disfavored viewpoints or content , even if unpopular, thereby protecting access to diverse information. Additionally, the Director must submit annual reports to Congress, detailing all prohibited books and the outcomes of appeals.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline
Apr 16, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8325
Introduced in House
Apr 16, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 16, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • April 16, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8325
    Introduced in House


  • April 16, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 16, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Adam B. Schiff

Adam B. Schiff

Democratic Senator

California

Cosponsors (4)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Peter Welch (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HR 119-8325: Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted