Senate bill funds prison libraries across U.S. states
In committeeS. 4320Latest action
Sponsor: Adam B. Schiff · Senator · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Prison Libraries Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 4320 would fund prison libraries in states and territories through federal grants capped at $10M per year for six years.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill creates a federal grant program to help states and U.S. territories build or improve libraries inside prisons. Grants can cover books, computers, internet access, librarians, classes, job training, and cultural programs, all free to incarcerated people. States must submit a plan, show need using data, and report yearly on how funds were used.
Who does it affect?
The Attorney General would run the grant program. States and U.S. territories could apply for funding.
Why does it matter?
Without this program, many prisons may lack the resources to offer library services or educational programs to incarcerated people. This bill creates a structured way for states to request federal support for those services.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Capped at $10M/year
- Runs for 6 years
- Max grant length: 6 years
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 16, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Apr 16, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.