Federal Bureau of Prisons Voting Assistance Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
H.R. 9815, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Voting Assistance Act of 2026, would require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide voting-related information to eligible inmates before elections. Not later than 90 days before a federal, state, or local election, the Director would have to send messages through the inmate computer system to inmates who are, or previously were, residents of states that allow incarcerated people to vote, explaining how to register and how to request an absentee ballot. The Director would also have to send detailed state-specific registration criteria, instructions, forms, and prepaid envelopes to each facility's Re-entry Affairs Coordinator, who would distribute this information to eligible inmates.
The bill affects federal inmates who are or were residents of states permitting inmate voting, as well as Bureau of Prisons staff responsible for re-entry services. Information must be posted at facilities and published online, provided in Spanish as well as English where a state offers Spanish-language materials, and accompanied by assistance for inmates who need help with registration due to a disability.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 21, 2026, by Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet been voted on, and further committee action would be needed before it could advance.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
21 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9815 do?
- H.R. 9815, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Voting Assistance Act of 2026, would require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide voting-related information to eligible inmates before elections. Not later than 90 days before a federal, state, or local election, the Director would have to send messages through the inmate computer system to inmates who are, or previously were, residents of states that allow incarcerated people to vote, explaining how to register and how to request an absentee ballot. The Director would also have to send detailed state-specific registration criteria, instructions, forms, and prepaid envelopes to each facility's Re-entry Affairs Coordinator, who would distribute this information to eligible inmates. The bill affects federal inmates who are or were residents of states permitting inmate voting, as well as Bureau of Prisons staff responsible for re-entry services. Information must be posted at facilities and published online, provided in Spanish as well as English where a state offers Spanish-language materials, and accompanied by assistance for inmates who need help with registration due to a disability. The bill was introduced in the House on July 21, 2026, by Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet been voted on, and further committee action would be needed before it could advance.
- Has H.R. 9815 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9815. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9815?
- H.R. 9815 was sponsored by Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] (D-DC), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9815?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (21 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Crime and Law Enforcement
Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act
National Coordination Center and Commercial Cyber Capabilities Codification Act
Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Nonviolence Week" to raise awareness of youth violence in the United States.
Anthony Amoros Law Right to Know Act
More bills from Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Expressing support for the designation of September 23, 2026, as "Mary Church Terrell Day", and calling on Congress to recognize Mary Church Terrell's lasting contributions to the civil rights and women's rights movements.
No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act
Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as "Peace Month" and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.