H.R. 8325: Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026, aims to establish a standardized process for deciding if books can be banned in Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities. Here are the main components of the bill:

Establishment of a Publication Review Committee

Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons is required to create a Publication Review Committee. This committee will be responsible for reviewing and making decisions about the availability of books in prisons.

Composition of the Committee

The Publication Review Committee will consist of at least five members, including:

• The Ombudsman established under the Federal Prison Oversight Act.
• A professional librarian employed by the Bureau of Prisons.
• One individual currently in custody within the Bureau of Prisons.
• One expert in First Amendment law.

Procedures for Banning Books

Once the Publication Review Committee is established, the following procedures will apply to the prohibition of books:

• The Director of the Bureau of Prisons can only request to ban a book if they provide a written request to the committee, explaining the reasons for the ban.
• The committee must approve this request in order for the ban to take effect.
• Incarcerated individuals can appeal a ban to the Publication Review Committee to seek reversal of the decision.

Timeline for Decisions

The Publication Review Committee must issue a final written determination within 90 days after receiving a request or an appeal regarding a book's availability.

Guidelines for Prohibition

The bill specifies that a book cannot be banned simply to suppress a disfavored viewpoint or content. The committee will evaluate whether a book's prohibition is motivated by its viewpoint, such as if it is considered unpopular or offensive. This aims to protect the rights of inmates by ensuring they still have access to diverse information.

Appeals Process

If a book is under appeal, it cannot be removed from the prison library until the committee has made a final decision on that appeal. This provision maintains access to the book during the review process.

Annual Reporting

The Director of the Bureau of Prisons is required to submit an annual report to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, detailing any books that were prohibited during the previous fiscal year. This report will also summarize the status and outcomes of any appeals filed regarding book prohibitions.

Relevant Companies

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