The House Resolution introduced by Representatives Powell, Khan, Waxman, Sanchez, Hill-Evans, Giral, Donahue, Schlossberg, Freeman, and Green on January 28, 2025, directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the quality of carceral libraries within the Commonwealth. The resolution emphasizes the importance of education as a fundamental human right, particularly for incarcerated or detained individuals, and highlights the role of library services in supporting rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. It notes that access to library resources can help individuals gain educational qualifications, vocational training, and essential skills, which are crucial for their future outside of incarceration.

The resolution outlines specific areas for the study, including the adequacy of book and media collections, the provision of user and technical services, the number of resources available per individual, and overall accessibility of library services. The Joint State Government Commission is tasked with gathering data through surveys that assess the needs and experiences of incarcerated individuals regarding library access. Furthermore, the Commission is required to provide policy recommendations to address any identified inadequacies and submit a report of its findings to the House of Representatives within one year of the resolution's adoption.