YourVoice.Now Summary
Your MoneyFree library books, ebooks, and computer time for people in state prisons — through new federal grants
Your Money
A state that gets a grant could not charge people in prison to use the library. That means free books, ebooks, computer time, printing, and supplies like pens and notebooks.
More about this bill
People in state prisons could get free library books, ebooks, computer time, and printing if their state wins a new federal grant. The Attorney General would set up the grant program within one year of the law passing. Only states and territories could apply. Federal prisons are not included. Grant money could pay for librarians, job training, digital skills lessons, and free English classes. It could not pay for food, health care, or general prison costs. A state could get a grant for one year at a time, up to six years in total. Congress would allow up to $10 million a year from 2026 through 2031.
Congressional Summary
Prison Libraries Act of 2026 This bill directs the Department of Justice to establish a grant program to provide library services for incarcerated individuals.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-04-16
- Date Added
- 2026-10-03
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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