Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 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.