119-HR-8352 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 8352 Criminal History Access Act of 2026
A bipartisan House bill would explicitly let state police training and licensing boards (known as POST agencies) access FBI criminal history records to help vet officers; it defines these boards in federal law and tells the Justice Department to update regulations within 180 days. The Judiciary Committee advanced it by voice vote on April 22, and the bill was officially reported on May 4 and placed on the Union Calendar, awaiting a House floor vote. (govinfo.gov)
Headline Summary
H.R. 8352 would make it clear that state Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agencies can receive FBI criminal history records to screen and certify law‑enforcement officers, and it directs DOJ to update rules to implement that access. (govinfo.gov)
What It Does
In plain terms, the bill updates federal law so the FBI can share criminal history record information with state POST agencies—the bodies that set hiring, training, ethics, and licensing standards for police. It adds a federal definition of POST agencies, confirms they are among the “authorized officials” who can receive records under 28 U.S.C. § 534, and gives the Attorney General 180 days after enactment to amend regulations (28 C.F.R. part 20) to carry this out. Why it matters: this aims to strengthen police background checks and help prevent officers with serious misconduct from slipping through when moving across departments or state lines. (govinfo.gov)
Who’s For It
- Sponsors: Rep. Derek Schmidt (R‑KS) and Rep. Deborah Ross (D‑NC) say the bill strengthens police background checks by ensuring state training/licensing agencies can access the FBI records needed to vet officers. (ross.house.gov)
- Process support so far: The House Judiciary Committee advanced the bill by voice vote on April 22, 2026, and it was reported to the full House on May 4, 2026—signals of bipartisan, noncontroversial backing at the committee stage. (docs.house.gov)
Who’s Against It
- No formal opposition statements are posted in official House materials to date; the committee used a voice vote, and no roll‑call objections are listed. (docs.house.gov)
- Potential concerns raised in similar contexts: privacy and accuracy safeguards when more agencies access Criminal History Record Information (CHRI). DOJ’s own CJIS Security Policy emphasizes strict limits on CHRI access, auditing, and data protection—issues civil‑liberties advocates often watch closely. (le.fbi.gov)
What’s Next
Status as of May 6, 2026: Reported to the House and placed on the Union Calendar (No. 553), the bill now awaits scheduling for floor debate and a vote. If it passes the House, it moves to the Senate; if enacted, DOJ would have 180 days to update regulations. (govinfo.gov)
Discussion