S. 4320In committeeCrime & justice
Senate bill funds prison libraries across U.S. states
Data as of July 11, 2026
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
Decoded
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
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- 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.
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Official title
Prison Libraries Act of 2026
- Introduced:
- April 16, 2026
- Latest action:
- April 16, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.