The PREP Act would create an Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons. The office would oversee education programs in federal prisons, work with education providers, collect research and data, and offer training to state prison systems. Programs could include literacy, high school, college, career training, and apprenticeships. The bill also calls for outreach and education support for incarcerated veterans.
People in federal prisons could have access to more education and career programs. Providers would offer guidance on continuing education, financial aid, and employment after release. Incarcerated veterans who qualify could receive information and help connecting to approved education programs. State prison systems could receive training and technical help. The bill does not require state prisons to offer these programs.
For fiscal years 2027 through 2033, the bill directs $170 million from amounts appropriated to the Bureau of Prisons to carry out the federal education program. The federal share of a program's cost could not exceed 75 percent. The bill also limits certain education assistance payments to incarcerated veterans and reduces assistance for education costs paid by other programs.
The bill states that prison education can help prepare people for work and reentry, and aims to improve access to quality education in federal prisons. It also cites findings about education, employment, prison safety, and reoffending. No publicly available information identifies specific proponents' views beyond the bill's stated purpose and findings.
No publicly available information.