What does Preamble of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This bill establishes a program to provide grants for the creation of prison libraries.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Prison Libraries Act of 2026.

What does ESTABLISHMENT. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a program administered by the Attorney General. The program will provide grants to eligible applicants. The purpose of the grants is to fund library services for incarcerated individuals. These services aim to advance reintegration efforts, reduce recidivism, and increase educational opportunities.

What does ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines the eligibility criteria for grantees under this Act. Eligible grantees are States or territories. Applications must include a comprehensive plan detailing grant usage, project objectives, program design, and evaluation process. Applicants must provide proof of a physical library at a correctional facility or intent to create one. Data demonstrating a compelling need for funding, including demographics and relevant statistics about the prison population, is required.

What does USE OF FUNDS. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines permissible uses of grant funds for library services to incarcerated individuals, as defined in section 2. Funds may be used for education and job training, acquisition of materials reflecting the prison population's interests, and expanding library infrastructure. Qualified librarians and staff can be hired to manage libraries, resources, and services, and coordinate activities. Qualifications include library management experience, database maintenance skills, and event organization abilities. A wide range of programs are eligible for funding, including literary training, digital literacy, career readiness, civic engagement, restorative justice, and health and wellness activities. Access to technology, such as computers and the internet, is also a permitted use of funds. The section encourages building relationships with local public libraries through standardized guidelines, resource sharing, and coordinated events.

What does PROHIBITED USES. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines prohibited uses of grant amounts. Grant funds cannot be used to purchase food, clothes, shoes, or hygiene supplies. Employee salaries and benefits not directly related to prison libraries are ineligible. Physical and mental healthcare for incarcerated individuals is prohibited. Transportation for incarcerated individuals is not an allowable use. Staff training unrelated to library services is disallowed. General administrative functions and facility maintenance not directly related to libraries are prohibited. Obligations imposed on the facility by law, including law library maintenance, are not eligible. Any use unrelated to library services, resources, and management is prohibited.

What does PRIORITIZATION. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines prioritization criteria for grants awarded under this Act. The Attorney General must prioritize applicants adhering to library management standards and guidelines. Applicants adding or prioritizing post-secondary education curriculum in library programming will be prioritized. Plans for positive impact on prison populations, including literacy, education, skills development, and employment, are prioritized. The Attorney General may consider other factors deemed appropriate for prison population impact. Applicants with numerous initiatives to maximize benefits for the prison population are prioritized. Geographic diversity among grantees, considering states, territories, urban, and rural areas, is required. A reporting system will be established to monitor grantee progress, performance, and expenditures.

What does TERM. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

Grants provided under this Act have an initial term of one year. These grants may be renewed annually. The total renewal period for a grant cannot exceed six years.

What does REPORTING. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates that grantees submit annual performance measures. These performance measures include library activity statistics and program outcomes. Grantees must also submit expenditure reports. Reports are to be submitted to systems established by the Attorney General under section 6(3).

What does CONDITIONS. of Prison Libraries Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines conditions for grantees. Grantees are prohibited from charging incarcerated individuals fees for library access and resources, including physical books, eBooks, computers, internet, educational materials, and printing services. Grantees must make library space available for educational programming by post-secondary organizations and personnel.

Back to bills

Prison Libraries Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/16/2026 · Introduced: 4/16/2026

Author: Adam Schiff (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a program to provide grants to states and territories for creating and improving prison libraries, aiming to enhance educational opportunities and support reintegration efforts.
Grant funds can be used for library resources, staff, technology, and programs like literacy training and career readiness, but are restricted from covering basic necessities or healthcare for incarcerated individuals.
The Attorney General will prioritize grant applications that demonstrate adherence to library standards, prioritize post-secondary education, and show a positive impact on prison populations, with a total of $10 million authorized annually from 2026 to 2031.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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