Federal prisons would offer education through provider partnerships

The Bureau of Prisons would establish an Office of Prison Education, led by an assistant director. The office would oversee education in all federal prisons and correctional institutions, including opportunities for people with disabilities.

The assistant director would choose education providers to partner with federal prisons and run the Federal Prison Education Program. The program would serve people held in federal correctional facilities. Providers could include colleges, local education agencies, and qualifying nonprofits or community groups. Providers must show they have effective programs. The assistant director would consider completion, jobs, and other results, including reduced repeat crime when those results are available, and favor providers with strong records. Providers must offer basic education and diploma classes to students without a high school diploma. Job training should prepare students for work they are legally allowed to do, and providers must explain possible job or license limits before enrollment. Federal funds could cover no more than 75% of a program's cost. For fiscal years 2027 through 2033, $170 million from amounts appropriated to the Bureau of Prisons would be used for the program. The bill sets aside $170 million from Bureau of Prisons appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2033.

The assistant director would gather education and outcome data, evaluate the program, and share findings with Congress and the public. The evaluation would follow program participants while incarcerated and after release. The evaluation would be done with federal agencies and one or more outside evaluators. It would study education, jobs, safety, and other outcomes. The evaluation would gather data during incarceration and for three and five years after release. The assistant director would submit and publish it within 180 days after it is completed.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs would tell incarcerated veterans about possible education aid and help eligible veterans connect with prison education programs. The outreach and support would cover veterans held in federal or state correctional facilities. Veterans must otherwise qualify for the education aid. A program must be approved to use that aid before the Secretary would connect a veteran to it. A veteran with a felony conviction could not receive the specified monthly housing or subsistence payments while incarcerated. The Secretary would reduce education aid by costs paid through other government programs. The housing and subsistence payment limits apply while a veteran with a felony conviction is incarcerated.