Criminal History Access Act of 2026
Last recorded step: House, May 13, 2026.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would allow state and territorial law enforcement training agencies to access FBI criminal history record information.
This summary may be out of date
Last regenerated The bill has had legislative action since.
What it does
This bill would authorize state, territorial, and District of Columbia peace officer standards and training agencies to access criminal history record information maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These agencies are responsible for setting standards for law enforcement officers regarding hiring, training, ethical conduct, and retention through certification or licensing processes. By granting this access, the bill proposes to allow these entities to review federal criminal records when qualifying or certifying law enforcement personnel.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects peace officer standards and training agencies in states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories by granting them access to FBI criminal history record information. Law enforcement officers are also affected, as these agencies use this information to set standards for their hiring, training, certification, and retention. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is affected as the provider of the criminal history data to these authorized entities.
Key provisions
- Access to FBI criminal history records. The bill authorizes peace officer standards and training agencies to access criminal history record information maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Definition of peace officer standards and training agencies. The bill defines these entities as state, territorial, or District of Columbia agencies responsible for setting law enforcement standards regarding hiring, training, ethical conduct, and retention through certification or licensing.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill expands access to criminal history record information maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation by authorizing state, district, and territorial peace officer standards and training agencies to utilize these existing federal records.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to grant state and territorial peace officer standards and training agencies access to FBI criminal history record information to assist in setting and enforcing standards for the hiring, certification, and retention of law enforcement officers.