Criminal History Access Act of 2026
Rep. Schmidt Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Give Police Training Boards Access to FBI Criminal Records
The Criminal History Access Act is currently moving through the House Judiciary Committee. It recently passed a committee vote with changes and is now waiting for further action. The bill is actively moving forward in the legislative process.
Part of: story →Legislative Progress
The bill has support from both parties and addresses a common-sense safety issue, but most bills struggle to get through the full legislative process without a major push.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
People with criminal records who apply to become police officers or who are already certified officers would face more thorough background screening. State boards that previously lacked full FBI criminal history access would now be able to see an applicant's or officer's complete national record, making it harder for someone with a disqualifying criminal past to get hired or keep their certification.
“exchange such records and information with, and for the official use of, authorized officials of the Federal Government, including the United States Sentencing Commission, the States, including State sentencing commissions and peace officer standards and training agencies”
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3370-3371)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8352.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Criminal History Access Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.