MD HB415

Establishes the Family Literacy Pilot Program allowing incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities to record themselves reading children's books aloud, with recordings and books distributed to their children (biological, adopted, stepchildren, grandchildren, or legal wards)

Requires four state correctional facility libraries or prerelease centers to participate, representing Western, Central, and Eastern regions of Maryland, with at least one facility serving female inmates and one serving male inmates

State Library Agency administers the program in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Correctional Education Council, and selects children's books including those in languages other than English

Participation must be free of charge for incarcerated individuals, children, and custodial parents/guardians; written permission from the custodial parent or guardian is required

Takes effect October 1, 2025 and automatically expires December 31, 2028; State Library Agency must report results to the General Assembly by December 1, 2028