US HB7247

Attorney General must establish within 1 year a grant program providing library services to incarcerated individuals to advance reintegration, reduce recidivism, and increase educational opportunities

States and territories may apply by submitting a comprehensive plan, proof of existing or planned physical library, and demographic data demonstrating compelling need

Grants may fund education/job training, materials acquisition, infrastructure expansion, qualified librarian hiring, digital literacy, career readiness, artistic programming, computer/internet access, and partnerships with local public libraries

Grantees cannot charge incarcerated individuals for access to books, eBooks, audiobooks, computers, educational materials, or printing services

Authorizes $10,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026-2031, with grants renewable for up to 6 years total