H.R. 8352 · Passed both chambers · Law

Criminal History Access Act of 2026

Sponsor: Derek Schmidt (R-KS)

What it does

• Authorizes peace officer standards and training agencies (POSTs) in states, DC, and US territories to access criminal history records maintained by the FBI.
• Defines peace officer standards and training agencies as state or territorial entities authorized to set hiring, training, ethics, and retention standards for law enforcement officers through certification, licensing, or
• Enables law enforcement certification and licensing bodies to review federal criminal records as part of officer vetting and accountability functions.

Official summary

Criminal History Access Act of 2026 This bill authorizes a new type of entity—peace officer standards and training agencies—to access criminal history record information maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The term peace officer standards and training agency means an agency of a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory that is authorized to set standards for the hiring, training, ethical conduct, and retention of its law enforcement officers through certification, licensing, or other similar qualification processes.

Latest action

Sep 30, 2026: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5299)

Committee: Senate Judiciary