Provide funding and resources to improve library services and access to books for incarcerated individuals.
One policy goal, tracked across every bill that has carried it.
What’s happening with Prison Libraries Act of 2026?
The Prison Libraries Act of 2026 remains in the House Committee on the Judiciary as of January 26, 2026, and the Senate Committee on the Judiciary as of April 15, 2026. Members of these committees must hold a vote to move the bills forward, but most legislation fails because committees do not take action. This effort has seen no recorded progress since April 15, 2026.
Updated July 9, 2026 · Generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.
Where it stands
Now carried by Prison Libraries Act of 2026 (H.R. 7247 (119th)) →
Legislative Progress
How we got here
Every bill that has carried this goal, oldest first.
Died with Congress · Jan 3, 2025
Died when the 118th Congress ended without final passage. Bills must be reintroduced under a new number to be revived.
Reintroduced · Jan 3, 2025
Reintroduced from H.R. 2825 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.R. 2825 (118th) →
Vehicles
Who’s behind it
Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)Wrote and sponsored the current bill.