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Bill

Bill

A 4926

"New Jersey Prison Libraries Act"; establishes "Prison Libraries Fund" and appropriates $1 million.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shanique Speight

The bill creates a Prison Libraries Fund with a $1,000,000 appropriation to provide library resources and literacy programs for incarcerated individuals.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4926

Summary of Bill A-4926 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Title

New Jersey Prison Libraries Act

Purpose and intent

The bill establishes a formal framework to support library services within the state’s correctional system. Its core aim is to ensure incarcerated individuals have access to library resources, literacy programs, and related educational services as a component of rehabilitation and humane treatment.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of the Prison Libraries Fund

    • Creation of a dedicated fund named the “Prison Libraries Fund.”
    • Purpose: to finance library services and related programs inside state and locally managed correctional facilities.

  • Financial appropriation

    • The bill appropriates $1,000,000 to the Prison Libraries Fund.
    • This funding is intended to cover startup and ongoing library operations, materials, staffing, and programmatic activities within prisons and jails.

  • Program scope and activities (inferred framework)

    • Provision of library materials (books, periodicals, digital resources) to incarcerated individuals.
    • Support for literacy and educational programs (e.g., GED preparation, literacy tutoring, and lifelong learning initiatives).
    • Potential collaboration with public libraries, non-profit organizations, and educational partners to deliver services.
    • Training or employing library staff or certified librarians to manage collections and provide instruction within facilities.

  • Administration and oversight

    • Establishment of administration mechanisms to manage the Fund and monitor use of resources.
    • Reporting requirements to ensure accountability for fund expenditures and program outcomes (e.g., materials distributed, programs conducted, participant engagement).

  • Co-sponsor

    • Shanique Speight is listed as a co-sponsor.

Affected parties and impact

  • Incarcerated individuals: Primary beneficiaries through improved access to reading materials, educational resources, and literacy programs, supporting reintegration and skill-building.
  • Correctional facilities: Responsible for operating prison libraries and coordinating programs; may collaborate with external partners.
  • Public and academic libraries / educational providers: Potential partners in supplying materials and program delivery.
  • State and local governments: Oversee administration of the Prison Libraries Fund and compliance with reporting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill votes and passage dates are not provided here. If enacted, the Prison Libraries Fund would be established and the $1,000,000 appropriation would be allocated to support library services in correctional settings.
  • Ongoing oversight and annual or periodic reporting would likely be required to track fund use and program outcomes (specific timelines to be defined in the bill’s provisions or implementing regulations).

Notes

  • The summary focuses on the substantive intent to fund and operate prison libraries and related educational services.
  • The bill reflects a targeted investment in rehabilitative resources within the correctional system, aligning with broader goals of literacy, education, and successful reentry.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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