Bill · S. 4320· Senate(119-S-4320)
Prison Libraries Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/16/2026
- Last activity
- 4/16/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Adam Schiff
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Prison Libraries Act of 2026 aims to establish a grant program to provide library services to incarcerated individuals. The Attorney General will oversee these grants to help advance reintegration, reduce recidivism, and increase educational opportunities. Eligible grantees include States or territories that provide a comprehensive plan and proof of a physical or intended library. Funds can be used for various services, including education, job training, and digital literacy. The Attorney General will prioritize applicants with measurable impacts on education and employment. The program includes specific rules on how funds can be used and ensures access to resources is free for incarcerated individuals.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill provides accessible reading materials for the visually impaired and print disabled.
Would students be better off under this?+5
The bill expands access to educational, technical, and vocational programming.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+5
The bill funds access to computers and the internet for incarcerated individuals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Educational Opportunities: The bill allows for funding of education, job training, digital literacy, and financial literacy to help individuals improve their skills (Section 4).
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Support for Reintegration and Reduced Recidivism: The program is designed to advance reintegration efforts and reduce recidiavism through various programming (Section 2).
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Access to Information and Technology: Funds may be used for access to computers, the internet, eBooks, and audiobooks (Section 4).
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Free Access to Resources: To ensure equality, the bill prohibits charging incarcerated individuals for access to physical books, eBooks, audiobooks, computers, the internet, or educational supplies like pens and notebooks (Section 9).
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Diverse Programming: The act supports a wide range of beneficial activities, including health and wellness, restorative justice, artistic programming, and language services (Section 4).
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Improved Learning Environments: Grants can be used to expand library infrastructure to be more welcoming and less restrictive (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Fund Usage: Grant funds are strictly prohibited from being used for essential needs such as food, clothes, shoes, hygiene supplies, or physical and mental care (Section 5).
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Limited Scope of Funding: Funds cannot be used for general prison administrative functions, maintenance of the facility, or the establishment of a law library (Section 5).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Students+5Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Young Adults+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+5Improves College Affordability+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- 4/16/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California