Criminal History Access Act of 2026
Latest action (30 Sep 2026): Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
What this bill does
The Criminal History Access Act of 2026 would allow peace officer standards and training agencies in each state to access criminal history records. This change amends existing law that permits the Attorney General to exchange records and information for official use by authorized officials of the federal government, states, and other entities. The bill also defines what constitutes a "peace officer standards and training agency" and what "State" includes for the purposes of this act.
This legislation specifically affects state agencies responsible for setting standards for law enforcement officers' hiring, training, and conduct. It grants these agencies the authority to access criminal history records, which they can then use in their certification, licensing, or other qualification processes. The Attorney General would have 180 days after the bill's enactment to update relevant federal regulations.
The bill was introduced on April 16, 2026, and has since passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its next step is to be sent to the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was passed by Congress on September 30, 2026 and goes to the President next.
Timeline
30 Sep 2026
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
12 May 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
22 Apr 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8352 do?
- The Criminal History Access Act of 2026 would allow peace officer standards and training agencies in each state to access criminal history records. This change amends existing law that permits the Attorney General to exchange records and information for official use by authorized officials of the federal government, states, and other entities. The bill also defines what constitutes a "peace officer standards and training agency" and what "State" includes for the purposes of this act. This legislation specifically affects state agencies responsible for setting standards for law enforcement officers' hiring, training, and conduct. It grants these agencies the authority to access criminal history records, which they can then use in their certification, licensing, or other qualification processes. The Attorney General would have 180 days after the bill's enactment to update relevant federal regulations. The bill was introduced on April 16, 2026, and has since passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its next step is to be sent to the President.
- Has H.R. 8352 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Sep 2026, H.R. 8352 is passed house & senate (president next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 8352?
- H.R. 8352 was sponsored by Rep. Derek Schmidt [R-KS2] (Republican-KS), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8352?
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (30 Sep 2026).
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